The couple in my office looked bewildered. Well-educated, they had raised
their children according to the most “progressive” thinking. Emphasizing feelings rather than behavior, the parents allowed the kids to express themselves
openly and loudly, offered them an equal voice in family decisions and gave
96 Chapter 7 The Structure of the Essay
Supporting Paragraph #3:
Connection to
Community
Conclusion
1
them freedom to pick their clothes, friends and TV shows. They sprang to their
children’s defense when the kids collided with school authorities, and absolved
them of household chores.
Sitting with the couple were the results of all that dedicated effort—a sullen,
arrogant 15-year-old boy and a totally self-absorbed 13-year-old girl. The four
of them were the opposite of the strong, loving family the parents believed
their attitudes were helping to build.