Mum and Dad had high expectations of us as human beings - it

Hearken, O children of generations yet to awaken, and attend to the words of Tim Minchin, whose reflection carries the weight of wisdom and admiration: “Mum and Dad had high expectations of us as human beings - it wasn't just about education. It's a fantastic way to go about parenting, and I aspire to that.” In these words lies a truth as enduring as the stars: that the labor of parenting extends beyond the mere imparting of knowledge, reaching into the molding of character, virtue, and human excellence. True guidance is measured not only by what a child learns, but by the human they become.

The origin of this reflection rests in Minchin’s experience growing under parents who demanded integrity, curiosity, empathy, and courage alongside academic or artistic achievement. Their vision of parenting was holistic: the cultivation of intellect intertwined with the cultivation of character, such that the child learns to navigate the world with discernment, moral insight, and a sense of responsibility. From this, Minchin draws inspiration, recognizing that the expectations of parents shape both the mind and the soul.

The meaning of his words is both profound and practical. To hold high expectations as human beings is to instill the values of honesty, kindness, diligence, and thoughtfulness. Education alone cannot suffice; a child must also be guided in the realms of ethics, empathy, and courage, learning to act rightly, to contribute meaningfully, and to face adversity with dignity. Minchin’s reflection teaches that the noblest parental aim is the formation of character, not merely the accumulation of knowledge.

Consider the life of Abraham Lincoln, whose father’s insistence on virtue, hard work, and integrity shaped a boy who would rise to moral and political greatness. Thomas Lincoln, though humble in means, instilled lessons of honesty, perseverance, and responsibility that guided young Abraham through trials, self-doubt, and immense challenges. Like Minchin’s parents, Lincoln’s father sought not merely education, but the cultivation of human excellence, showing that expectations rooted in character bear fruit across a lifetime.

Minchin’s words also carry a subtle admonition: parenting that emphasizes only achievement, grades, or skill without attention to the child’s humanity risks producing proficiency devoid of empathy, courage, or wisdom. The cultivation of moral and emotional depth is as crucial as intellectual development, and parents who guide children to become upright, reflective, and compassionate human beings create a legacy far greater than mere accomplishment.

The lesson for future generations is luminous: aspire to guide children with high expectations not only of their minds, but of their hearts and spirits. Model integrity, empathy, and diligence, and encourage the child to act with courage and discernment. Education alone is fleeting; the shaping of character, the fostering of virtue, and the nurturing of conscience endure, guiding them through the complexities of life.

In practical life, one may follow Minchin’s counsel by cultivating conscious attention to moral and emotional development alongside education. Encourage reflection, responsibility, and kindness. Set high standards for honesty, resilience, and care for others, and communicate that these qualities matter as much as intellect or skill. Support the child in challenges, celebrate their efforts to act rightly, and model the virtues you wish to impart.

Thus, O children of future ages, carry this teaching as both lantern and compass: high expectations for the human being, not just the student, shape the soul and guide the life. Foster intellect, yes, but above all, cultivate virtue, courage, empathy, and integrity. In this way, parenting becomes a sacred art, and the legacy of guidance endures across generations, illuminating the path of wisdom, goodness, and enduring human excellence.