One thing I’ll always remember is Michael quite forcefully stating that his dad would introduce him as his son people would sometimes “correct” Ron by saying “you mean your adopted son”.
He said his dad would get very angry and state fiercely that Michael was his SON. PERIOD.
Michael also stated that his dad treated all of his kids the same. Each kid was expected to work and learn the value of work and saving.
I think Ron Jr suffered from youngest child syndrome.
The youngest child for some reason acts up when they don’t think they get enough attention/love/stuff.
“The youngest child for some reason acts up when they don’t think they get enough attention/love/stuff.”
_______________________________________________
I remember asking my mother about why it seems the youngest seems spoiled when compared to the elder siblings.
She sighed and said, “sometimes, the parents just get tired of the arguing.”
In my household my father was at fault because he wanted to keep the kids dependent upon him to a degree. I recall the heartache it caused my mom because she knew it would only cause the growing up process become harder for the child/children in question. Because she had to be the to try to undo that damage she often appeared to be meaner. Not very fair, I thought that she had to have that role put on her.
Now, from what I recall, I agree with your assessment about the youngest in reference to my beloved husband’s deceased father.
A friend of mine was a radio producer who worked with Michael Reagan. My friend is a FLAMING liberal, though a dear friend who I love spending time with. Seriously, his “liberalism” is the old school stuff, not the hateful, anti-American liberalism of today. Anyway, he spent a lot of time with Michael and knew him well. Some of the inside stories I have heard of the Reagan family, and the theft of the Reagan Ranch, from Michael’s point of view, are amazing. Ronald Reagan might have treated his kids the same, but Nancy didn’t, and after Ronald’s death, Michael got screwed. When Nancy was First Lady, I had a lot of respect for her. Now, not so much.