Mary Childers 'Welfare Brat A Memoir'

873 Words4 Pages
Enc 1102 November 1, 2009 Daddy Maybe What constitutes a perfect family? In my opinion, it is a family where at least one parent is present and active and the children are smart, respectful and independent. Although most people think that both parents must be present for this to occur, there are valuable lessons and chapter building exercises that a child will encounter if only one parent is present. In chapter one of Mary Childers’s book Welfare Brat A Memoir, titled Cherry Pie, Mary’s mother was raising five children in a home with only one parent present. I think that there are several character descriptions that make a person successful. Some of which is confidence, good decision making, and intellect. All of which were possessed my Mary or one of her siblings. In my opinion both parents need not be present to produce acceptable adults, according to society’s standards. Mary’s older sister, Jackie, is very confident and has a very high self-esteem. She’s describes as a “bonfire” who looks more mature than her fourteen years (10). With her flirting she makes everyone happy with laughter and keeps the energy going for a long time. As I reflect on my up bring, I was raised in a single parent home with six other siblings. My sister, Shalecia, is much like Mary’s sister…show more content…
She talks about the books she has hidden under her bed; she reminds her siblings to do their homework and takes great pleasure in reciting new words to her sister and teacher. Mom is often talking or playing or feeding one of the other kids so Mary has taken her time alone to further educate herself. In many single parents homes children see the almost unbearable struggle that their parent has to bear and this would serve as encouragement to the child, to excel in his or her studies to secure a better future for them. A better education will lead to a better job and a more secure
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