What does the word ‘parent’ mean?
The word ‘parent’ comes from the Latin pario which means: ‘I procure’ or ‘I give birth to’.
It does not come from the Latin pareo meaning: ‘I obey’. Thinking about it, this might seem obvious to most parents!
Today, there are many websites devoted to counselling parents about how to bring up children. This, though, isn’t a new phenomenon.
The Roman philosopher, Seneca, had strict advice for new parents:
‘He must not be allowed to cry and ask for rewards, nor should such behaviour gain him anything.’
Considering that Seneca helped in the raising of the young Nero, who eventually went on to be a brutal Caesar, I’m not sure I’m going to rush out and buy his guide to parenthood!
