“Teenage Wasteland” Parent/child relationships are very difficult to establish between individuals. This special relationship is very important for the child from birth because it helps him understand the morals and values ​​of life that should be taught by the parent(s). In the short story “Teenage Wasteland,” Daisy (mother) fails to provide the love and care that should be provided to her children. Daisy is an unfit parent who allows herself to be manipulated due to a lack of self-confidence, communication and patience. Daisy lacks self-confidence, which makes raising her fifteen-year-old son Donny more difficult. There were many instances where Daisy thought about what she could do best to help Donny at school, but despite her efforts, she always resisted. “She remembered when Amanda was born. Donny had acted lost and confused. Daisy was of course attentive to this, but still, a new baby sure keeps you busy…. » (570) When Daisy saw this happening, she never stopped reassuring Donny that even if he had a sister, it was okay. to change their relationship. Daisy should have reassured her son by correcting the problem as soon as it appeared, so Donny should have understood. When Donny started having trouble at school, Daisy gave up without trying and let a tutor dictate her son's activities, particularly when the teacher questions Daisy about Donny's actions. Daisy replied, "Oh, I'm sorry, Miss Evans, but Donny's guardian is in charge of that." these things now…” (572) At school, Donny’s behavior changed so drastically that he started staying out late and Daisy just sat back and let that happen. “The tutor had imposed so many rules! [She] was not allowed to ask questions about school, nor to speak with her teachers…, Only one teacher disobeyed…” (572) Because Daisy did not believe in herself or her word, she let others control and so her behavior got worse. Communication is the number one aspect of relationships because it is what allows the parent/child to become more familiar with each other's thoughts and feelings. “But he tells us he doesn't have any homework or that he did it all in study hall. How are we supposed to know what to believe? » (569) This example shows that Donny and Daisy are very distant. Daisy should have reviewed her homework to show consideration as a parent to correct and make sure her work is completed, but instead she trusted her too much and took advantage of her..