Children of Fast-Track Parents

Award-winning journalist Brooks here presents a report on that hoary paradox, the poor rich kid. She interviewed affluent parents and their offspring in different parts of the country, and the respondents' viewpoints testify to the ``pain of privilege.'' Mothers and fathers who have achieved wealth and status feel hurt because their children don't appreciate having everything; the young people feel cheated because their parents seem concerned solely with upward mobility. Brooks offers sage if predictable advice in her lengthy and detailed text, worth restating though mostly old wine in new bottles: pay attention to your sons and daughters; give them your time instead of too much money; express love and care in action that helps children grow up strong, knowing they are wanted. First serial to Parenting magazine. (Apr.)