You have to take a test for everything but having children, why is that?

Question

The most important thing in life is raising children, but no test is required. Everything else in life requires a test, do you have any thoughts on this?

Answer 1

I've thought about that before. I guess some things just fall outside the parameters of legislation no matter how fundamentally important they are. In terms of proper child care, abuse issues, there is legislation in place... but you're right, there's no "test" you have to pass to become licensed to be a parent. I think this is probably a good thing ultimately. My reasons are: a) I could never trust the people who were doing the testing - their bias, prejudice, etc. b) I think it would be nearly impossible to implement, and wouldn't yield very credible results even if you could. The government can't even keep all the lousy drivers off the road and that's (by comparison) a much simpler determination to make of a very particular, measurable skill-set.
Child-rearing, and one person's value system versus another person's, is infinitely more complex. I see it as a bit of a slippery slope as well, because once there is a licence required, why not also include a cut-off based on income? This amendment could be predicated on the "minimal" economic requirement expected when raising a child, based on housing costs, food costs, etc - but it would thereby discriminate against a vast segment of the population. I can see all sorts of things like this creeping into the arguments in any attempt to legislate parenting. Interesting question though.

Answer 2

There should be a test. People think it is a right to have children, it is a privilege.
I have been tested as far as keeping children goes. A neighbour found out I had bipolar disorder and decided my children needed protection. I was investigated. I do not know how it went, but last week I had lunch with an investigator two years after the fact. Her and I discuss children's issues and eat cucumber sandwiches. There should be a test, as crummy as it was I welcomed mine. I asked for suggestions how I could be a better parent. I work hard everyday to be a more effective parent. I manage my illness, number one for myself and number two for my family. If they start testing to determine whether you can be a parent, I want to be prepared, I am already hitting the books just in case.

Answer 3

At one point in time you just survived so that question would have been irrlevant. It was survival of the fittest and very little morality was involved.
Of course things are much different now.
Some people just have a natural instict how to teach and live with children, while others are at a total loss. It is an experiment all the way and the child is the one who suffers and who continues the same mistakes, mostly.

It would make sense what you suggest, but highly impractical to enforce.
And no matter how good a parent you think you are, we do make mistakes and have our doubts.

That is where the animals have one up on us. They look after and then teach their young what is needed.
Why can't we do that very same thing?

We are too distracted by things going on around us, making aliving, making it big, tv, etc.

Answer 4

This may be hard to conceive of, but, actually, there is an examination given to prospective parents in Oregon. Just as it is for lawyers it is called the bar exam. Single adults looking for Ms. or Mr. Right are tested for their discriminating skills when they check out the taverns and bars. They are tested on what to look for in a suitable mate. They are quizzed on their knowledge of suitable pick-lines that are likely to illicit the attention of appropriate genetic donors. They are grilled (sometimes with ham and cheese and frankfurters) on the proper times in the evening to pursue their quest. If they say when the bar is closing they fail automatically. If they volunteer cheesy pick-up lines like" Do you know what would look good on you; me, or "you must be exhausted. You have been running through my mind all evening.", they are disqualified. This exhaustive pre-mating testing has been hugely successful. Every day when I see little Enzyme junior getting off that special little bus from that special little school, I am thankful, as I wipe the drool off his face, of the progressive thinking of Oregon. Junior is a dog fearing child, and I give credit to the testing I received.

Answer 5

Because if we had to take a test//then there wouldn't be anyone here..because .... you learn through your mistakes when it comes to raising children.


I read tons of books when I was going to have my children,,but when ti came to the important issues..there wasn't a book around because every child is different, every family is different,, and when they ask you a question,,it should come from the heart,,not a book.

Answer 6

We don't live in a country of communism, thats the reason. I personally think as fat as Americans are getting, we should have to take a test on nutrition to EAT, but that is another topic.

Answer 7

It's too bad there can't be a test for how good the parents are going to be to the child, how they will treat him or her. Will one of them leave and never look back. That's a test that should be done. Too bad it can't

Answer 8

Excellent point!! I wish schools had better and more parenting classes. Then a test to get a license just like daycare workers need. You are very wise.

Answer 9

I agree. I also think raising a child is a test in itself.

Answer 10

I had to take a test! Noone else had to take a test?