Should parents work hard to make sure their children have something to inherit?

When did it become the "thing" to make sure you had things and money to leave your children when you die? Or.. has it always been that way? 
Did pharaohs try to take it all with them or leave an inheritance?

Just my personal take on this... I think that while your children are little they need to be provided for and as they get to be young adults they need a helping hand.. but they also need to be taught to stand on their own two feet. As far as continuing to work hard just to leave a fortune to them.. I think for the most part, those days are over. At least here, in Australia.. many couples are openly discussing how they are "spending the kids inheritance"... buying the Winnebago or Caravan and are travelling and enjoying their retirement and hard earned money. Certainly makes a lot of the young ones get off their butts (not all) and make a life for themselves, instead of waiting for Mum and Dad to kick the bucket.

I never understood parents leaving money and material things... unless it has some sentimental value... and of course... what's left behind (furniture and such) needs to be dealt with..... but for kids to sit and argue over what will be done with all the money, a house, furniture, etc... what has that taught anyone?

TO have family feuds... sadly

It's been like that for a longgggg time.. People's belongings.. house, furniture etc has to be dealt with and sold up or given away.. and it is only natural that the proceeds of this go to your children.. but as for working yourself into the ground to leave your children comfortable and not have to work as hard... I think it sends a totally wrong message.

There is an old saying that comes to mind that W's Nana used to quote..

"The first generation makes it,
The second generation saves it
The third generation spend it."

"Should parents work hard to make sure their children have something to inherit?"

Yes, they should.

Parents should work hard to ensure that their children inherit their work habits, their honesty, and their ethics.

Tater, good things to leave children and would most likely make a big difference in how many turn out.

Parents naturally want their children to be safe and secure. To equip them with the things they need in life is the best way to do this. I would say that wisdom and knowledge are far more important than materialistic things. Happy memories and a parents love is far more valuable than financial wealth. Sometimes the freedom to exercise their own curiosity can give them the confidence to be secure in their own right and make their own way in the world.

inheriting should be a bonus, not an expectation...except when large fortunes,property,mansions are concerned ,they need to be taken care of by the next generation...I do not need to worry about that !
I gave my beautiful rose ,18 carat gold ring ,to my grand daughter, LOL apparently I had promised it to my daughter, My GD is a nice girl and gave it to her mum lol.

Perhaps we regard these things in the wrong way. I tend to think of material things as being borrowed. Ultimately they pass from us, but I think that we still have the responsibility to look after them while they are ours to enjoy. This applies from rings to worlds.

I don't think I own most things... more like they really do own me. 
I once lost everything in a house fire. Most of it.... was just "stuff" and I only really missed a few things. 
If you have nothing when you die, the state and your children have nothing to fight about. lol
As is... I give what I want people to have...while I am alive. And anyone who knows me knows there isn't much to fight about. lol

You cant burn the "stuff" that really matters, and the more you give away the more you have.

A really great way to see it.