Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the concept of parental love and the implications of expecting gratitude from children, emphasizing that true love should be free of guilt and obligation [4][16][27]. Group 1: Parental Responsibilities and Expectations - The article references Hu Shi's perspective that parenting is a duty rather than a transaction, suggesting that parents should not expect gratitude from their children [4][6]. - It highlights the detrimental effects of parents treating their sacrifices as investments, leading to feelings of guilt and indebtedness in children [10][12][24]. - The narrative includes examples from media, such as the drama "Your Children Are Not Your Children," illustrating how parental expectations can lead to emotional distress in children [9][10][15]. Group 2: Emotional Impact on Children - The article discusses how children raised with a sense of obligation towards their parents often develop feelings of inadequacy and guilt, which can hinder their personal growth [15][21][24]. - It mentions a case of a child who felt relieved upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, viewing it as an escape from the burden of parental expectations [22][23]. - The article emphasizes that true gratitude and love from children arise from a nurturing environment, not from coercion or guilt [32][39]. Group 3: The Nature of True Love - The article asserts that genuine love is characterized by freedom and mutual respect, rather than a transactional relationship [16][37]. - It cites examples of healthy parent-child relationships, such as that of Qian Yuan and Yang Jiang, where love is expressed naturally without expectations [28][31]. - The conclusion reinforces that parents should act as gardeners, nurturing their children to grow independently rather than binding them with expectations [38][39].