After reading another reader’s opinion that children deserve a fair share of inheritance, I immediately thought of my own family. I too was treated harshly and unfairly by my parents when it came to inheritance. The feeling of resentment from their decisions still lingers with me today.
I am the middle of three sons. From the beginning, my parents believed the eldest should enjoy the most freedom, while the youngest should receive the most money. Because of that, they sold some land and borrowed money to ensure my older brother had a proper education. The youngest was also pampered and supported through school. I, on the other hand, was always treated with indifference.
When it came time to divide the inheritance, my parents gave half the family’s assets to my younger brother. My older brother and I each received a narrow strip of land, just 6 meters wide. My parents kept their 11-square-meter house and a one-hectare orchard to support themselves in old age.
Eventually, my brothers finished university and moved away, leaving no one to care for our aging parents. I remained in the countryside, closest to our parents, and ended up shouldering all the family responsibilities. I had to work and study while carrying the full weight of filial piety. Many times, I felt like a stepchild tasked with all the burdens without any of the benefits.
In the end, perhaps fate took pity on me, because I ended up having the most successful career in the family. While my parents’ unfair distribution no longer affects me materially, thinking back on it still leaves a bitter taste.
Now that I have children of my own, I have promised myself to treat them fairly. If one child requires more support, I will give them a slightly smaller inheritance, and vice versa, so all of my children can start life on equal footing.
My wife and I plan to keep only a small portion for our old age. We will entrust one child — likely the one who lives closest — to manage it. If we can no longer care for ourselves, that child can sell our assets to cover our needs. They may also cover any shortfalls together or share any leftover funds. I will teach my children that those who are better off should help those who are not. But above all, I will never let one child inherit everything while another is left to carry all the responsibility, as my parents once did to me.
*The opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.