The joys parents feel about their children are private, and so too are their fears and disappointments; they don’t speak much of their happiness, and they’re reluctant to voice their sorrows. Children bring sweetness to hard work, making it feel worthwhile, but they also make life’s challenges heavier to bear. They increase daily worries but ease the fear of death, offering a kind of immortality through the lives they leave behind. The act of continuing one’s bloodline is shared with animals, but leaving a legacy—whether through good deeds, great accomplishments, or lasting memories—is uniquely human.
Interestingly, some of the greatest achievements in history have come from those without children. These individuals, unable to create heirs of the body, pour their energy into creating heirs of the mind—works that outlive them. It seems those without children often care the most about posterity because their focus is entirely on the legacy they leave behind. On the other hand, those who start new family dynasties—building their fortunes and influence from the ground up—often see their children not just as their biological continuation but as the living proof of their life’s work, blending the personal and the professional into one.
Parents’ affection toward their children is often uneven, and at times even unfair, especially on the mother’s side. As the Bible’s Solomon observed, “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.” In a household full of children, it’s common to see the eldest treated with respect, the youngest spoiled, and the middle children neglected. Yet ironically, these overlooked middle children often turn out to be the most capable and successful.
Parents who are too stingy with their children’s allowances often make a dangerous mistake. It fosters desperation, teaching their children to cut corners, associate with mediocre company, and overindulge in adulthood once they gain access to wealth. A better approach is for parents to maintain their authority but not hold back financially when it’s time to invest in their children’s growth.
Another common parental misstep is encouraging rivalry between siblings. This may seem harmless in childhood but often leads to deep resentment and family discord in adulthood. The Italians have a broader view of family, treating nephews and close relatives much like their own children, seeing family as a collective unit rather than a strict biological line. In truth, bloodlines are unpredictable—sometimes nephews or distant relatives resemble a family member more than their own parent. This broader perspective helps to preserve family unity and shared legacy.
Parents should guide their children early in life, steering them toward meaningful careers or paths while their personalities are still malleable. They should avoid letting a child’s whims dictate their future, assuming the child knows best. While it’s true that exceptional talents or passions should be nurtured, in most cases, the better rule is this: “Choose the best path, and habit will make it enjoyable and easy.” Parents who take this approach help their children develop discipline and purpose.
Finally, it’s worth noting that younger siblings often find themselves more fortunate in life—provided the elder siblings are not unfairly cast aside or disinherited. Family balance and legacy thrive when fairness and foresight guide decisions, ensuring all members contribute to and benefit from the shared name and wealth.
Bacon Blueprint 