What is the Best Class to be Raised in?

    

 Malcom Gladwell's books are always so intriguing to me. His topics and views lead me to a deep dive through my own beliefs. A few of his books include "David and Goliath", "outliers", and "blink". The first book of his that I ever read was "David and Goliath". I had to read it for my high school English class. The purpose of reading that book alone made me hate it, but the more I read, the more I fell in love. The most profound statement Gladwell made was that there is a sweet spot for parents' income. He put together a bell curve to show the two worst ends of income and the best middle part of income for children. The best income would benefit the child's competence and quality of life in the long run. The "sweet spot" was $75,000 per year. Typically, the desired income is much higher than what Gladwell proposed it should be. This book was published in the year 2013. Today $75,000 would be the equivalent of $97,667.06 That sounds more like it. Keep in mind, this is not the income for a bachelor or a single lady, it is the income for a mother, father, and two or three children. This is enough money to meet the needs of all members of the family with a bit left over for wholesome recreational activities.

As someone who attempts to be frugal, I tend to think that spending money on activities or vacations is a waste. There are so many more things to do with your dollars. However, I have come to understand the value of wholesome recreational activities as a family. It allows family members to have shared positive experiences. This can build connections among brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. It is like the moment when you make eye contact with a friend that is laughing at the same thing that you are laughing at. Money is well spent on vacation if only for a few moments of connection with your loved ones.

Money is not what is essential to having a child who is and feels competent and valued. The key is relationships. If the key to raising a successful child is money, then why aren't rich families more connected with each other? They may seem happy on their Instagram page, but when you get to know them, there can be an emptiness where family relationships should be. Malcom Gladwell's bell curve did not peak at those who earn well over $300,000 per year. In fact, it plummeted when the rich were considered. More money does not always equal a happy future for children. Poverty is not the answer either.

With poverty comes, to no surprise, stress. With higher stress, Mom and Dad's fuses are shorter. It takes a lot less to get them to explode. This can lead to contention and unhealthy relationships. The only thing worse than having a difficult relationship with your parents is if you have no relationship with your parents. Low-income households often include either a mother and father who both work or a single mother who works constantly. When this mother is gone, the oldest sibling or an outsider is the one caring for the children. A 14-year-old does not have the knowledge or experience of a 40-year-old mother. They may know how to cook and have some common sense, but they are not the ones who raised the child. They are not the ones who spend months or even years yearning for their little one to come to earth to meet them. Those who can afford it are always searching for high-quality childcare. Look no further because the highest quality care given to a child is by their own loving mother and father, not a stranger and not a teenager.