Should parents need licences to be parents?

[beakkeeper]

But what about the large numbers of "accident" pregnancies? What if you didn't have a license to have a kid? I think more government bureaucracy in the form of "licensed parenting" would result in catastrophic numbers of abortion and government "planning" of families. It would be a complete mess. To license parenting is treating humans like the Arabian horses--you do not breed if you are considered inferior.

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Quote:
My parents raised 6 children on barely $20,000 a year. We never lacked, and they own their beautiful home and land free and clear.

Who is going to make these decisions? Someone who has a different moral and religious code then mine?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Quote:
See, this is where "my" plan comes in handy!

The parents that have taken the time to research and have completed their "course" will receive tax benefits that exceed those parents that do not have the license. It wouldn't be mandatory, because let's face it, that's not gonna happen, but it would be an incentive to take the time to learn what is needed when raising children.

 

[math ace]

YES - YES - OMG YES!

They don't need a license, but training - YES!

As a teacher, do you have any idea how many times I hear " I don't know what to do with Johnny!"

When I was attending classes on good teaching techniques - - - I noticed that these were the same techniques that I used on my children.

I pointed out my observation to my professor and he acknowledged that I was correct. Good teaching techniques were also good parenting skills.

For me - - these skills were instinctive. I can tell you as a teacher - - - they are not instinctive to everybody.

Some people are naturally good drivers - - - others need to take drivers ed in school.

Some people are naturally good cooks - - - others have to read directions from a cook book.

Use to be, people have to take marriage classes before a priest would marry them.

What would it hurt to have potential parents take classes before they decided to sign on for an 18 year plus commitment ? ?

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Quote:
If parents were training their children properly, classes would not be needed.
This modern industrial age we live in, has done no favors for the family that used to be.
It has ripped it apart instead.

 

[beakkeeper]

Well I certainly don't think that there is any way to "prepare" or "train" people for parenting, but I think it would be much more practical and ethical to provide support for families that need it, so we don't get wackos doing all the crazy stuff in the world. (although sometimes even the best parenting can't make a person behave well. Take me, for example...

)

 

[math ace]

Wouldn't that be the purpose of taking the classes?

To train the parents to train the children?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Quote:
My parents raised 6 children on barely $20,000 a year. We never lacked, and they own their beautiful home and land free and clear.

Who is going to make these decisions? Someone who has a different moral and religious code then mine?

True. But think about how it was back THEN. How much is that same number considered today when inflation is considered? I am talking about the people (teenagers) who decide then and there that they want to have a baby and expect to live under their parents' house with their monetary support. In essence, play "house" and wind up living off of their parents forever? Licenses would be an EXCELLENT tool to decrease this, especially if there are penalties for "underagers" having children. When I say monetary limits, I'm talking $5,000 per year or under. It costs WAY more than that to provide for children, especially in this day and age with the inflation of prices.

 

[beakkeeper]

Quote:
If parents were training their children properly, classes would not be needed.
This modern industrial age we live in, has done no favors for the family that used to be.
It has ripped it apart instead.

YES! Only a family can make a family...so teach your KIDS how to be good PARENTS...cuz it's too late for YOU to go back and learn how to do it again...

 

[redhen]

All i know is..those of you that say that bio parents of children in custody fo the state dont get any help...you dont really know what you are talking about on that issue..
They DO get ALL kinds of help and support from the state..they get parenting classes, financial aide help...counseling... hell... welfare even gives you money for a CAR now... so you can get back and forth to a job to support your kid.....
YES..they do get plenty of help...AND they get MANY MANY chances to change their lives so they can have their children back.... sadly.. many just dont get it.

The crack is much more important to them...