amanda_nyc's picture
amanda_nyc

Parenting License: The Ultimate Solution to Better Parenting?

02/27/2013 at 07:12 AM.

There have been many cases of bad parenting, documented or not, and I've been wondering just how can people become more aware so they can become better parents. Recently, I have encountered this debate on eQuibbly about mandating a law that will require you to take classes, pass an exam and become licensed parents - before you even have a kid. The argument? This will make sure that you will become a good parent. We know that the home is the basic unit of society and if parents are more educated about raising kids, the more chances that these children will grow up to be law-abiding and good citizens.

Just to quote a passage: "...studies has shown that corporal punishment is associated with antisocial behavior and aggression in children, and later in life is linked to depression, unhappiness, anxiety, drug and alcohol use and psychological maladjustment."

Therefore, is it right to say that requiring a license will mean educating future parents to making more positive choices, of positive reinforcement when it comes to discipline?



junieg's picture
junieg
02/27/2013 at 10:53 AM
But what happens to the children of parents who have them without your licence. Will they then be removed and spend the rest of their childhood in perhaps even worse conditions such as bad foster care. It is unworkable unless you take the more radical step of sterilising everyone you feel is unworthy to pass your test. This is the 21st century, not 1930's Germany under Nazi rule. Your theory needs a lot of work.
junieg's picture
junieg
02/27/2013 at 11:01 AM
P.S. Taking the classes does not necessarily mean you will be a good parent. There is a lot more to being a parent than this. Nobody can prepare someone to be a parent because the reality is a lot different from your theoretical classes. It is impossible to predict the nature of future children and any of the problems which may be posed. I think there are a lot of sanctimonious people out there who have grown up families and forget just how difficult parenting can be. I am writing from the stance of a mother of 4 grown children, a grandmother of 3 and am an Early Years Practitioner with many years experience. Bad parenting needs to be tackled taking each case separately and not stereotyping what should be.