What is a characteristic of middle and upper-class families regarding children?

Middle and upper-class families often emphasize long-term success for their children as a characteristic of their parenting style. This focus typically involves prioritizing education, encouraging the pursuit of higher learning, and instilling values that promote future achievement. Parents in these socio-economic groups tend to have the resources and awareness to invest in their children's futures, whether through extracurricular activities, tutoring, or college preparation. This approach reflects a broader cultural norm in these classes that values education and the credentials needed for upward mobility.

In contrast, the other options reflect attitudes or practices that are less characteristic of middle and upper-class families. For instance, immediate gratification tends to be more associated with lower socio-economic statuses due to different pressures and challenges. Additionally, middle and upper-class families generally discourage risky behavior in their children, promoting safety and stability instead. Lastly, minimizing educational importance is contrary to the priorities of these families, as they typically invest heavily in their children's education and support learning as a means to ensure future success.