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Ever Think That Maybe Parents Should Have to Get a License?
You know, this topic came up at lunch the other day. It's something I've thought about before. Now I'm not suggesting that people shouldn't be allowed to have children and raise them however they like. I think most of us believe that our parents did a rather good job, and that we all turned out pretty well. But almost all new parents say, (either out loud or to themselves), "I'm not going to make the same mistakes as my parents". So, wouldn't it make sense then if parents got a little education so that they could learn how to not make the same mistakes? If you've already got children you've probably had those times when you were at your wits end; overwhelmed; frustrated; and in need of help. And in your frustration you probably went right back to mom or dad and asked them how they did it. You went and asked the very people whose mistakes you promiced yourself that you were not going to repeat, how to make those mistakes. Think about that while your crunching your bran tomorrow morning. While your at it, think about how you're going to handle these little obstacles: When do you start feeding your child cereal? Is it normal for an 18th month old to walk on their tip-toes? When is your child old enough to eat solid food? What do you do if your child wakes up coughing in the middle of the night? Can you feed your child eggs if they are under 12 months old? Should you pick them up as soon as they start crying? At what age should you stop breast-feeding? How do you deal with a child that always wants to be held? When is the right time to start toilet training? How do you deal with a child that always cries? Can you use soap on an infant? If so, what kind? What should you do when your four year old starts wetting the bed? Can you use diaper wipes on an infant? Imagine knowing the answers to these kinds of questions before you even got married. And imagine knowing that the answers are the results of years of research, and best practices. The answers might even represent the collective knowledge of some of the best thinkers, and parents, of our time. So here's what I'm suggesting. As early as grade school, we begin instructing children in socialization skills. If we teach children how to correctly deal with each other, then we will in fact be teaching them how to correctly deal with children. Teach them responsibility, respect and the consequences of their actions. As they get older, perhaps into high school, we can start basic parenting skills: how to change a diaper; the right temperature for a bottle or bath; how to wrap a baby; you know, like I said, the basics. The point is that we teach our children how to take care of one another, as well as the next generation. And isn't the next generation the most important thing that any society, has to take care of? For Pete’s sake, you need a license to: cut hair; run electric; build a house; sell apples; and go fishing, but any moron who flunked out of Driver’s Ed can raise a child without guidance. Maybe I’m just some tight-assed, part-of-the-machine, big-brother-loving, minding-everyone-else’s-business, know-it-all, elitist-jerk but hey – its my opinion, and I’m entitled to it. If you don’t like it feel free to blast me in the guest book, or get your own Rant Page. |
