Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals

 
102 
January 1, 2020 
90.
 
Choices for children 
Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday 
matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of 
individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is 
important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them. 
Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 
One common area of debate among parents is the extent to which children should be 
trusted to make their own decisions and the potential impact this will have on their sense 
of responsibility. Although decision-making skills will help in some ways, I believe parents 
should dictate choices for children in order to make them more aware of others. 
On the one hand, children who have been allowed to make their own choices will 
eventually develop a keen sense of responsibilty. This can be best seen in the contrasting 
example of helicopter parents and more liberal parents. Helicopter parents smother their 
children with attention and make the majority of their decisions for them. Over time, these 
kids will likely become dependent on their parents. If your parents always pick out your 
clothes then you never have to check weather forecasts, make choices about what colours 
match or concern yourself with trends in fashion. Later in life, these kids will not have 
developed any of these skills because of their parents. Contrast this with children who pick 
out their own clothes; they will have to consider these factors carefully and it will make 
them more responsible when it comes to shopping and taking care of their wardrobe. 
On the other hand, I still believe that parents should make the majority of choices so that 
children will be more responsible towards others. For example, some parents have made 
the logical and ethical choice to be vegetarians and they force their children to do the same. 
This can have a positive effect not only on their individual health but also on the 
environment. Moreover, it is a learning opportunity for parents to teach their offspring 
about ethics. Parents can make the argument that industrial farming is inhumane and 
animals should be treated with more respect. This may have a carry-over effect resulting in 
their children growing up to be more thoughtful towards others. 
In conclusion, parents should make most decisions for children to guide them to be more 
empathetic. They should work with teachers in their efforts to raise conscientous future 
citizens. 
Word count: 347 (aim for under 350 words – around 300 is better!) 

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