Some Life

You’re expected to give your child some of your life the day you birth them. Not all of it, because then you wouldn’t be able to raise them, but the most you can. A “good” parent might donate 30 years, but if other parents in your kid’s class donated 40, they’ll definitely let everyone know it. Some parents go farther, donating 50 or 60—which sometimes breeds resentment, since the parent will likely die before the kid gets to high school. Single parents have it especially tough, since they’re expected to give twice as much. But isn’t that always the way?