Should parents need licences to be parents?

[beakkeeper]

Quote:
I think we'd find that the issues and controversies that arose would offset what little good it might do. I believe that it's inevitable that the number of "dumpster babies", backalley abortions, and disfunctional families would actually rise with that system.

 

[math ace]

I don't want the governement telling me what to do - - -

BUT

I think we can all learn something new.

Every child is different and requires different approaches. We can not be born MASTERS of parenting. On a regular basis I tell my children that I do the best I can that they didn't come with an owners manual. I think classes that would provide me with options on how to deal with my children would be better than do it blind.

We no longer live in a generation where our parents and grandparents are close by to teach us from their experiences.
Todays parents have to figure this out on their own.

Classes that provide options - not dictates - would be beneficial to future generations.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

OK. Then here's my question to you:


Would it not be better for a child to never enter the world if they were going to be maltreated, abused, starved or otherwise not taken care of?

Those who are willing to abort probably would not have wanted the child in the first place, which would mean that they could not mentally cope with the life they would be bringing into this world. Which would be the best route?

 

[beakkeeper]

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.

Agreed. A 12 year old WOULD be unfit to parent. But does that mean we should penalize her? Force her to abort the child? Remove her child to a household where s/he would be taken care of? Or search for a way to STOP things like this before they even happen, ie nurturing healthy, normal growth into family life (ie, the aforementioned 18+ year old with stable job)

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

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.

That 12 year old girl was given permission to have sex by someone...... And her parents did not know where she was, and what she was doing.
She was not taught to remain pure. To wait for the right one at the right time.
I am reminded of the permission that a certain family planning group gave the girls scouts recently. In a meeting where parents were not allowed.
Oh yes, they teach "protection". But that has not stemmed the tide.

 

[beakkeeper]

Quote:
I know you weren't addressing me directly, but i'd like to say this:

A child who is conceived has already entered the world. There are options beside abortion to make sure that the child could have a life free of maltreatment, abuse, etc. We can have no way of knowing what will happen in the future, and therefore can have no authority to determine who should and should not be born.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I suppose that's where the gray area is. Should the unfit parent have the child taken away?

I believe so, but how would it be possible for the government to monitor each and every possible unfit parent in the USA? No idea. I couldn't even imagine how. It would probably be up to the parents or guardians to make the call to the parenting organization that would handle the licensing. Then, people who have taken the courses would be the first ones called in order to be considered for adopting the child from the unfit parent. Then, the unfit parent would have to go through courses in which they are taught how to develop into a loving and nurturing parent that can provide for their children.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Most schools offer home economics. Parenting is a big part of that class. I think it should be mandatory. Anything more would be to close to Communism to me. One step from banning the breeding of anyone not above middle class.

 

[beakkeeper]

Quote:
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.

That 12 year old girl was given permission to have sex by someone...... And her parents did not know where she was, and what she was doing.
She was not taught to remain pure. To wait for the right one at the right time.
I am reminded of the permission that a certain family planning group gave the girls scouts recently. In a meeting where parents were not allowed.
Oh yes, they teach "protection". But that has not stemmed the tide.

So true. The impetus behind such "protection" is one thing and one thing only-- $$$$$

 

[beakkeeper]

Quote:
I think you're right...read The Communist Manifesto on the family and there you'll have it!

eta:yes I have read it myself.