Topic > Family Neglect and Irresponsibility in the Veldt by Ray Bradbury

Many psychologists will tell you that family neglect can lead to psychological problems in children. Set in the future, two parents spoil their children with mind-blowing technology instead of spoiling them with their time. The lack of responsibility and time for family is demonstrated in Ray Bradbury's “The Veldt” theme that it is important to always have time for family otherwise there will be disastrous consequences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay At first, George gives everything to his children, spoiling them beyond belief. When George explains to Lydia, his wife, why he spoils their children so, he says "'...nothing is too good for our children.'" George brazenly states that nothing is too good for their children. It gives them more than they could ever want or need. George and Lydia initially purchase a house that fulfills their parents' duties. “They [George and Lydia] walked down the hallway of their soundproof Happy Life Home… who dressed them and fed them and rocked them to sleep and played and sang and was good to them.” Casa Felice essentially takes care of everyone and replaces parents with the simple tasks they should carry out. Instead of spending time with their children, George and Lydia leave them to fend for themselves. George and Lydia give everything to their children and spoil them with technology, but fail to realize the consequences. Peter and Wendy openly lie to their parents, which causes George and Lydia to acknowledge the fact that they actually have no control over their children. George and Lydia ask Peter and Wendy to explain the African veldt. Peter says: "There is no Africa in the nursery." Confused because George knows what he saw, he responds with "'Oh, come now, Peter, we know better.'" Peter then turns and tells Wendy "'I don't 'you don't remember Africa, do you?'" Wendy he says, “'No.'” George and Lydia realize that their children have been lying to them. They finally begin to understand that perhaps they spoil their children too much and give them too much freedom. As George talks to Lydia he realizes that they have allowed it their children to “'...come and go as they please;'” He understands that Wendy and Peter treat them as if he and Lydia were children. It finally occurs to him that “'They [Wendy and Peter] are spoiled and we [Lydia and George] are spoiled.'” George finally realizes that he and Lydia have spoiled their children too much. Now he realizes that they have let them do what they want without repercussions. George begins to see the consequences of spoiling his children with technology instead of quality family time. George realizes that the house has replaced him and Lydia as parents, so he decides to close the house and take his family on vacation. After observing the nursery David McClean, the psychologist, explains to George that “'This room and this house replace you and your wife in the affections of your children. This room represents their mother and father, who are more important in their lives than their real parents.'” David explains how George and Lydia have lost their roles as parents to the house. She explains to George that home, especially daycare, means more to their children than they do. Finally understand what he needs to do. George and David head to the fuse box where George "...threw the switch that killed the nursery." This is the climax of the story. This is the point where George irrevocably makes a decision that will change the end of the story. After speaking with David, George finally decides that he must close up the house if he wants his family to be a family again. George notices the mistakes he made.