Tessa's mom works all day long during the summer months giving tours at a local museum. Tessa and her brother, Beau, stay home all day long by themselves. They fix their own lunch, entertain themselves, and keep each other company. They wished their mom didn't have to work, so that she could stay home and take care of them.

Kate's mom doesn't have a job. She stays home each day with her children. Every morning, she cooks a big breakfast for the family. Then, she watches television with her children and makes them take an afternoon nap. Kate's mom never leaves her children in the house alone. Kate wishes that her mom would let her be more independent and take care of herself. She resents being treated like a baby.

What is the theme of this passage?