Should parents need licences to be parents?

[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?

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.

This was not all that long ago. I'm not that old, and my youngest sibling is barely 20.

Plus, they through example taught all of us what being a good parent is.
Yes, they made mistakes. Everyone does. But they still did a good job.

Most everyone I know in real life, had excellent upbringings, and they are doing excellent jobs raising their kids now.
If they need help, they have many mentors to help, be they family or another church member.

Those people that are playing house and mooching off mom and dad? Mom and dad are to blame for not showing them the right path.

 

[beakkeeper]

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.

I think that penalizing foolish teenagers would only lead to more death and heartbreak. People "in love" aren't going to think straight and look at the long term consequences of their actions-->teens WILL have kids-->fear of punishment will lead to abandonment or murder (abortion) of the child-->teens will not have learned anything about responsibility or parenting.

True, welfare does help financially, but it doesn't really provide any "training". And frankly, I think that "training" isn't even applicable here--parenting is not like a college course that you can take--it all depends on your economical, religious, moral, ethical, etc. view that you want to impart to your children.


One more thing--who are we to decide who is worthy to have a child. Granted, I DO believe that there are some things that should never happen in a family/household, but we cannot impose our judgement on others based on what we think is "good parenting". ***Obviously, child abuse (for example) is NOT good parenting, but there are many many differences of opinion on how to raise your children nonetheless***

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

But since the parents were unable to show them the way, why shouldn't the licensing group help show them the way? Why should the children of that unfit parent not be able to be placed in a home where the parents HAVE learned and are ready to accept the responsibility instead of leaving the child with that parent to continue the cycle?

Seems to me as though having taxes or direct payments by the parents who think they don't need to learn or at least need to be guided through a fundamental process would be much less likely to make a snap decision on whether to have a child or not.

 

[PeepsInc]

The entire concept would only entertain someone who wants the government to control every aspect of their life.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

What if having these licenses helped put an end to child abuse? Would it not be worth it?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

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Or someone who is not afraid to voice their opinions, concerns or ideas. What is so wrong about thinking outside of the box?

 

[beakkeeper]

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If this were true, then rich people would make "better" parents because they could afford to pay the taxes.

And again, who's to say who's "unfit" to parent?

ETA: this is turning into a very interesting discussion!

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Quote:
I think it would be far better to get busy as individuals, and take youngers under our wings and help them out.
Teach them to cook and clean. How to shop. Help with baby sitting off and on if need be. Show them what keeping a budget is like.
Show them love and ture community.
Stop penalizing them, and hanging a threat of turning them over to the authorities for things that could be righted with some loving guidance.

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Also, teaching youngers how to be frugal. Things like gardening and raising a few chickens can go a long ways to giving them incentive to truly care, and have soemthing worthwhile to pass on to their children.

Because, what do most of these struggling parents have as a legacy?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Quote:
If this were true, then rich people would make "better" parents because they could afford to pay the taxes.

And again, who's to say who's "unfit" to parent?

ETA: this is turning into a very interesting discussion!

But, the taxes would not be necessary if a licensing course was taken. Even "rich" people want to save money here and there!

Unfit to parent: The 12 year old girl who just gave birth to her 13 year old boyfriend's child.
Fit to parent: 18+ year old who has a stable job, home and supportive network.

Single parents, couples, sexual preferences, again would not be an issue as long as the child was well cared for.