Barras: Investing in children

Ronnie’s mother considered him too needy. “He would ask her to help him with homework, participate in school activities and inquire as to whether he would ever see [the city’s] downtown.” She grew tired of his questions.

“You know, I never wanted you,” Katy told her 8-year-old son. “You wouldn’t be here if your father wasn’t so cheap. I needed money for an abortion. [He] never gave me the money. Now, you all in my bizness. You need to leave here.”