Discussion: Are parents' expectations helpful or harmful?

The short story “Like Charlie” by John Boyne offers some points that could help you answer the question whether  parents’ expectations are helpful or harmful. Still, it is important to take a step back and find some other answers outside the short story.

Parents’ expectations can be both helpful and harmful, depending on the personality of the child and on the way in which the expectations are voiced.

In Nick’s case, for example, Lewis’ expectations are harmful, as they oppress Nick’s personal growth. Because he is calm and composed, his father believes that he is gay and despises him. Lewis’ expectation is that Nick should grow up to be just like him, powerful and violent. Still, Nick’s personality is different and he cannot change it. Eventually, Lewis’ unrealistic  expectations brought him death.

• In your own experience, would you say that parents’ expectations are helpful or harmful?

Let ...