The reading that I chose to focus on for this book is Annette Laureau’s Concerted Cultivation and the Accomplishment of Natural Growth, which analyzes two distinct parenting approaches bearing the same names as the title. Concerted cultivation structures a child’s time through planned, organized activities, with parents planning said activities for their child to build institutional skills. A large emphasis on negotiation is found in this approach, with interactions between parents and children revolving around aspects such as reasoning and constructive dialogue. Accomplishment of natural growth, however, is when a child’s time is not actively planned by a parent/guardian, leaving their time unstructured and independently directed. Negotiation is replaced by directives, taking a more traditional, obedient approach to authority. I aim to highlight both the positives and negatives for each logic in this book, such as institutional skill development opposed to a sense of entitlement for concerted cultivation, and respect for authority opposed to a risk of limited institutional knowledge for accomplishment of natural growth. I want to make it clear to the child reading that regardless of their parent’s approach, they have an opportunity to be successful and feel fulfilled.

A Preface to Our Story

A Shell for a Pouch, a Pouch for a Shell

In the land known to humans as “Australia,” all of the critters are getting ready for bed.

One of which is Joey, a young kangaroo living in the desert.

As he watches the sunset, his mother calls his name, “Joey, it’s too dark for you to be out of my pouch. Get in this instant!”

“Why am I always in the pouch? There’s a whole world to explore!” Joey responded.

“Because,” his mother assured, “it’s my job to protect you from and teach you about the world. If you aren’t in the pouch by the count of three, you won’t be allowed to watch the sunset tomorrow night.”

Joey sighs as he climbs in his mother’s pouch. “I want to make my own choices and see the world for myself!” He wishes as he curls up for bed.

Another animal ready for slumber is Simon, a young sea turtle. Simon wades through his neck of the reef, searching for a place to sleep before the predators come out at dark.

He’s alone, something that he’s been ever since he hatched out of that egg all those weeks ago, but is lucky to have made friends in the reef.

Hey there, Simon!

Hello, everyone!

He swims up to a rock, only to be met with a critter already there, Mr. Eel. “Scram, kid,” Mr. Eel snaps, “This piece of coral is taken!” 

Simon apologizes - “Sorry, Mr. Eel, sir.” 

Simon swims on and on until he finally finds a safe place to sleep. He’s tired, cold, and yes, still alone.

“The ocean is so big and I’m so small,” Simon whispers. “I don’t want to be on my own anymore, I’m exhausted!”

Both critters fall asleep with their wishes in their head. A shooting star flies over the Australian sky…

The next day has arrived and the sun rises. Joey stirs awake - “Is it a little colder than usual?” He asks himself. He opens his eyes and is met with… water and coral??

Simon wakes up to an unfamiliar voice. "Early bird gets the worm!" Says... mama kangaroo??

The critters shoot up and examine themselves. At the same time, they exclaim:

Yes! My wish came true!

Joey the sea turtle starts to swim and explore the reef. “I can go anywhere and do anything!” He says. 

Simon the kangaroo gets his morning grooming and lead to breakfast by Mama Kangaroo.

All from the comfort of this pouch!

Simon laughs.

Hello, friend! Nice morning, eh?

As Joey swims, he’s greeted warmly by fish, crabs, and other sea critters. “I don’t even know this many critters,” Joey thinks to himself. “Sea turtles sure are friendly with their neighbors!”

Meanwhile, Simon is headed to the watering hole with his mother. “Would you like to stay in the pouch or get out when we’re there?” Asks Mama Kangaroo.

Simon chooses to stay in, thrilled he even got the choice to begin with.

Both critters are enjoying their new lifestyles. However, as the day goes on, things begin to change…

Joey swims up to a piece of leftover shrimp. “Mmmm, dinner!” He thinks before his meal is whisked away by none other than… 

Mr. Eel.

“Hey, that was mine!” Joey shouts. “You stole my food! You have to bring me something else!”

Mr. Eel laughs. “Buddy, I don’t HAVE to do anything. I’ve been eating shrimp longer than you’ve been alive. Go earn your own food and leave me alone.”

But...

LEAVE!!!

Joey swims away, defeated. He never had a problem getting food when he was with Mama Kangaroo.