With shifts in social norms, there has long been a debate as to whether children should make decisions independently. Some claim that there should be a strong influence by parents when their children choose friends or life partners; others believe that independence for children in making decisions can bring more benefits. Personally, I staunchly support the idea that children should make friends on their own, but there should be involvement of parents in deciding more significant things like choosing life partners.
Proponents of parents’ influence on their children cite justifying grounds, one of which is their cautiousness. It is believed that children do not have enough knowledge about this imperfect world, and they are highly likely to make mistakes. To avoid such circumstances, parents have to be involved in their children’s lives, especially in terms of friendship and choosing life partners. They provide sound advice based on their valuable experiences and help them maintain those relationships without any disputes. By doing so, parents can be aware of their child’s life, and the child may also enjoy favorable choices.
Nevertheless, there is a group of people who share the view that children have to be responsible for their own choices for some reason. Once they have made up their mind on choosing vital decisions, there is a likelihood of making the wrong ones. However, they can be ready for the ups and downs of the future life, a life that is impossible to make the right decisions all the time, and crucial to rectify them instantly. When children grow by making mistakes and correcting them independently, they can be successful both personally and professionally.
In my view, children should be given autonomy to make decisions in terms of friendship as children can communicate with several people and find ones that have in common. In other words, they may be friend with like-minded people once they discover them on their own, since their parents can not know about their friends’ behaviors and interest. On the other hand, children must take guidance when choosing life partners, a significant choice for the rest of their lives. Thus, parents with more life experiences can help their child to marry the most suitable person, which can be difficult for the children to find. In my country, Uzbekistan, for example, mothers and aunts primarily look for girls for their sons and make them engage in. Consequently, they may lead a happy life, meaning parents’ involvement is a prerequisite to choosing the best life partners.
In conclusion, there is a view that parents should strongly influence their children in making friends and finding life partners, other think they should enjoy freedom when making bold decisions. From my perspective, finding friends should be up to children, while, as for life parents, the involvement of parents is indispensable.