obligation to parents

[bergenski]

What do you think is the extent of a child's obligation to one's parents?

[pavel_lishin]

Depends on the child and the parents, obv. I know a guy whose mother consistently steals and uses his credit cards, driving his credit score down. I think his only obligation to her is not to bludgeon her to death with a toaster oven. My parents, however, have always supported me in every way, so I'll do the same for them whenever I can, however I can, short of fucking up my own life for 'em. (ie, if they want to invest in a pyramid scheme, I'm not lending them any money.)

[joft]

oh shit, you reminded me; I forgot my toaster oven when I moved :banghead:

[Park]

What do you think is the extent of a child's obligation to one's parents?

It depends on where you live in the world. In the society I live in, we are not financially dependant on our families -education, healthcare, eldercare etc. are *free* i.e. we all pay for these services through our tax so I'm not obligated to financially provide for my parents as they get old.

I'm not sure I really think, I have specific "obligations" in connection with my parents. Or at least, nothing more than I have towards other people I care about.

[Rajah]

I know a guy whose mother consistently steals and uses his credit cards, driving his credit score down. I think his only obligation to her is not to bludgeon her to death with a toaster oven. Holy hell, I laughed out loud.

[attila_the_hunny]

Even if I spoke to my father, I would do as much as he's done for me...which isn't anything at all.
However, I'd do a lot for my mother. She never asks for hardly anything (mostly for me to be more involved in the fam). I'm happy that she'll be financially well off when she gets older, or in the case that my step-father dies.

No one is going to suck my life away and have it revolve around them. When you're so involved in your family you don't have your own life or follow your own dreams...yeah, you have a problem. I think it's integral to have something to yourself and have your own life, and having your family be a part of that.

[hereandnow]

My parents are deceased so the obligation issue isn't pressing but one must first take care of ones self. If this involves avoiding obligations to parents, so be it.

[demagogic_schizoid]

What do you think is the extent of a child's obligation to one's parents?

whatever you feel you owe them. I feel I own mine a lot, so I'm prepared to do a lot for them. If they hadn't, I wouldn't. It's up to each person's own conscience really.

[omnirook]

My parents were not perfect, of course, but they were good. Not once, not ever, did they turn their backs on me. I took care of each of them until the final breath. Everyone made me sick w/going on about what a good son I was - made me sick because it had nothing to do w/being a son - had entirely to do w/being in their debt. I owed them; they earned it ... I don't believe in blood. Either you are a friend - or you are not. My parents were best friends.

[Pooja]

oh shit, you reminded me; I forgot my toaster oven when I moved :banghead:

hurry up and steal it back, before those hillbillies contaminate it anymore!

[demagogic_schizoid]

My parents were not perfect, of course, but they were good. Not once, not ever, did they turn their backs on me. I took care of each of them until the final breath. Everyone made me sick w/going on about what a good son I was - made me sick because it had nothing to do w/being a son - had entirely to do w/being in their debt. I owed them; they earned it ... I don't believe in blood. Either you are a friend - or you are not. My parents were best friends.

yes, that's how I see it