Parenting, Should it Be Licensed?

Okay, we can't actually do this, but it's sure worth giving some thought to!

How many times has it crossed your mind that people should have to be licensed in order to have children? It has mine, on several occasions, especially when I've witnessed just how stupid some parents can be. It makes me wonder how they're capable of looking after or teaching their own children when they themselves just don't seem to know much about life (or anything in general for that matter), not to mention that parental stupidity can actually be of harm to their own children.

A case in point, when Michael Jackson held his young son over the railing of a high-rise hotel balcony for the fans. First of all, how were the fans to actually see the child with a scarf draped over its head? Secondly, but more importantly, if stupidity was against the law, the authorities would have had to confiscate the child right there and then. It was a direct hazard to the child and could have cost him his life had Michael lost hold of him, subsequently, dropping the child to the ground below. Or, as with Brittany Spears, driving with her child in her lap. Yes, these might be extreme cases, but makes for a prime example as to how some parents just don't think of their own child's proper care and welfare. The slightest indiscretion or negligent behaviour can be dangerous or even fatal. As well, not all parental stupidity has been caught on tape for the world to see.

When bringing children into the world, one really must consider the drastic life change that is required. You are no longer a child yourself when you have children, so it's definitely time to do some serious growing up. Children do not raise or teach themselves. Often times, children learn by example and if stupidity is their example during their informative years, they will learn very little, thus perpetuating the cycle. Also, children rely on the parent for direction and guidance, not just meeting their daily needs. If a parent isn't capable of offering proper direction, it can be very detrimental to the child's life and well-being.

As much as I would like to see parental stupidity being classified as abuse, unfortunately, it's just not going to happen. It would wreak havoc with our already taxed to the limit social services system. At least 50% of parents would inevitably lose their children due to such abuse. This would mean that we'd need the other 50% of parents to look after, or foster and raise these children, as well as raising their own. It would become a huge burden to everyone in today's society, except for the parent who is deemed stupid by law, I'm sure.

Another form of parental stupidity is when a parent consistently places a child in front of the television or a video, in hopes the child will get it's basic education in this manner, leaving them more time to themselves. Or, when you hear a parent say that it's the job of the teachers in our schools to teach our children. That's what they get paid for. This way the stupid, as well as lazy parent, doesn't have to put in the time, effort or patience in teaching their own child. This is very sad for the child, as they might tend to feel left out or intimidated by others once they enter school, knowing they are already so far behind.

Yet another example is when parents don't properly buckle their children up while riding in a vehicle. It is law over much of the world, yet you periodically still see children unrestrained in cars. It is just too easy for a child to become injured should the parent have to stop suddenly. And unfortunately, there isn't always a police car around to see these stupid parents.

These are just a few examples of stupid parents, yet sadly the list could go on for pages and pages. Unfortunately, just too many parents don't have the slightest clue on how to properly look after their own offspring. Either they are oblivious to the dangers, until it is too late, or they are too self-absorbed in their own wants and needs, that their own children become a second thought.

Having children is a responsibility. Just because the majority of us have the physical capability to produce children, it doesn't mean that it's acceptable to have them if you don't want to view it as a responsibility or a job. Raising children is hard work and as much as we love our children and don't ordinarily see it as being work, when you think about it, they do require a lot of our time, energy and attention. It can be easy as a parent, to get frustrated and loose patience as their needs become a 24 hour a day requirement. Yes, we'd sometimes like to have a break and that in itself is alright, but it doesn't give us the privilege to shut off our parental duties entirely. We bring them into the world, we should have the intelligence and integrity to look after them!

Our children are the future, each and every one of them precious in their own right. Every parent has the duty to do the best they can, and then some. It is their responsibility to make sure that each child they bring into the world has a good start in life, and that requires putting in the time and effort, taking care of all their needs and ensuring their safety and happiness at all times. Let's not abuse our children in any way, shape or form!