Maybe it’s just me, but most software principles sound abstract until you realize they already exist in real life 🌱
While studying the SOLID principles, I noticed that one of the clearest examples is the Liskov Substitution Principle (LSP) — a core concept in object-oriented design — which maps surprisingly well to parenting and family expectations 👨👩👧👦
🔍 What LSP Says (in simple terms)
In software, LSP states:
If a class B is a subtype of class A, objects of type A should be replaceable with objects of type B without breaking the behavior expected by the client.
In plain terms:
If you make a promise at a higher level, every specific case must be able to honor it 🤝
Now replace:
- class → child 👶
- client → family 🏠
Suddenly, the principle becomes very human.
👪 Parents, Promises, and Abstractions
In software, a base class defines expectations.
In a family, parents define rules and responsibilities.
Problems arise when a parent says:
“All my children must do X.”
…but not all children are actually capable of doing X.
When that happens, the child isn’t the problem.
The expectation is. ⚠️
That’s exactly what happens in software when a base class defines behavior that not all subclasses can safely support.
🤥 When the Parent Is “Lying”
In programming, we say an abstraction is lying when it promises behavior that isn’t universally valid.
In families, this looks like:
- Expecting every child to succeed in the same way 🎯
- Assigning the same responsibilities regardless of age or ability 🧱
- Punishing children for expectations that never fit them 🚫
In software, the result is broken behavior.
In families, it’s frustration, resentment, and constant conflict 💥
🧠 The Shared Lesson
Whether you’re designing software or raising a family:
If someone constantly has to say “I can’t do that,” the promise was probably wrong.
LSP teaches developers to look upward, not downward — to fix the contract instead of blaming the implementation 🔄
🌟 Final Thought
Strong systems — technical or human — are built on clear expectations, honest promises, and respect for differences.
When abstractions are truthful, substitution becomes safe.
When expectations are fair, relationships become healthy 💚
