Withholds influence a child’s social, cognitive and

withholds a very traditional and narrow thinking by saying:  “…

I forget the love is a terrible weakness that I can’t afford. It hurt me every time.” (Silvera. 79) in this chunk of text, she focuses on the real-life situation and the bitter truth she faced in life, where she has not ever experienced “ real love” and believes that it is an only weakness which leaves sole in grief.  Moreover, parenting styles play an integral role in the development of a child.

In fact, research has revealed that parenting styles can influence a child’s social, cognitive and psychological growth, which affects children both in childhood years and as an adult. Silvera showcases the plethora of styles a parent portrays and how it acts upon a relationship between a daughter- mother- and grandmother. The novel develops an interest in two ideas: authoritative figure vs. indulgent (open communication). Authoritarian parenting is known as strict parenting, is a style in which parents expect their children to comply, and conform to every rule.

A great example is provided in the novel, by Silvera; “ She was ten going on fourteen and I was determined to spend more time with her… I didn’t want to make my mother’s mistakes.” (Silvera. 172) in this statement made by Molly explains the sorrow and the lost love she felt from her mother, she did not want to be a “ strict” and “ uncaring” mother, she was afraid to lose her strong bond with her mother like she had in her childhood. Another example which supports the idea of an authoritative figure is “… I disliked her even more for treating me like a child.” (Silvera.

118) this shows the lack of communication between the two, and parents normally require their children to follow the set rules without even a single explanation. As a result, these children tend to display low social competence because their parents prevent them from making their own choices; this can further lead to children hating their parents and the string of loose connections just stretches farther on. Thirdly, the next role set out is about indulgent parenting, this style is understanding and responsive, they are more lenient, and are usually more involved with their children. Like, “ I was thankful I had my grandmother to teach me how to be a mother.

Under her guidance, I concentrated on my unborn child.” (Silvera. 160) Molly is very thankful and feels comforted with her grandmother by her side, which results from Molly to be understanding with her daughter in the future as well, unlike Mollys’ and her mother’s relationship where her mother is too busy with her own issues, she does not take time out for her own child. As a result, Silvera proved the different stages of parenting and the diverse ideas are portrayed in this short story. Lastly, generations grow up with different beliefs and perspectives.

Each generation has its own distinct set of values that are developed from the social environment in their early years. Many view the generations before us as, prejudice and having a contrasting mindset than the ones later born. Old generations tend to like boys over girls, an example would be from the text in the novel, “.

.. enjoyed again with my baby inside me.

She knew I wanted a girl. She wanted a boy, for reasons I’ve never understood.” (Silvera. 160) this showcases Molly’s grandmother’s perspective on gender and how she thinks that girls are a burden and are more difficult to raise.

This difference of opinion creates more tension in their relation, as Molly can never understand the main reason behind their thinking. Another very major issue includes the method of raising an individual and how strict a parent is when it comes to raising a girl and a boy. “ Many nights he stayed out late, and Mama defended him: he was a boy, it was only natural for him to want to be around others his age.” (Silvera.

180) these are two distinct opinions that old people view that boys have the right to go anywhere because they are strong and wiser than girls; whereas, Molly does not understand the difference and is completely against this belief passed from time to time.