The Price of Privilege

by Madeline Levine

"All of us-mothers, fathers, children, adolescents and young adults-yearn to be loved for who we are, not just for what we do. Make certain that your children know every day how much they are loved, not for their grades, honors, or awards but for their striving to be independent, capable, good and loving people. We need to be certain that our emphasis is on those things that have been shown to contribute to healthy self-development: encouraging autonomy and self-management skills, valuing relationships and reciprocity, allowing space for the development of self-efficacy, and being able to truly see, truly appreciate and truly love the child who stands in front of us.