In Barbara Kingsolver's "Pigs in Heaven," a poignant observation is made about parenting and caregiving: the more effectively you nurture and guide children, the more independent they become. This statement encapsulates a bittersweet truth; as caregivers grow in their abilities, children gain the skills and confidence to flourish on their own. This evolution, while fulfilling, also highlights the inherent transience of relationships that are built on support and guidance.

The quote suggests that ultimately, the goal of parenting is to equip children to stand on their own, which inherently leads to a distance between them and their caregivers. It emphasizes the irony that in doing a good job, caregivers prepare children for independence, which can feel like a loss. Nevertheless, this cycle of growth and separation is a vital aspect of healthy development, reinforcing the notion that successful parenting should aim for autonomy over dependency.