Singaporean parents play their role in the proper upbringing of their children.Sadly, there are a number of parents today who spoil their children.Increasingly, I observe many young children,like me,not greeting their elders, whether it's their relatives or neighbours and their parents do not teach them that it is only courteous to do so.Parents have a critical role to play on teaching their children basic courtesy - whether it's giving up their seats to the elderly, or giving way to the disabled.Legislating care for the elderly can be only a short-term measure.But having said that, the aged, too, should not ask for more than what their children can afford as they have their own commitments and families to care for.They must try not to rely totally on their children if they are financially independent. It is sad that in our society, things get done only when legislated.