Should you have to pass a test or get a licence to have kids?

Question

To ensure the child is brought up in a good environment with decent manners and morals by the parents. Surely, if you're decent parents (note the plural), you wouldn't object. Adoption and foster agencies carry out rigorous checks, why not the same for people wanting to be parents?
I see fat, scruffy kids going to school each morning eating their packet of crisps for breakfast, swearing profusely, abusing other people. In the evenings there's packs of them, who are supposed to be at the youth club, maurauding the streets and swilling beer and cider and making a nuisance of themselves. I always think to myself "What's the parent(s) like?"
Almost every other level of high responsibility includes a licence, screening or a test these days. - driving, teaching, nursing, trading, even owning a dog or firearm. Parenting is THE biggest responsibility.
I know I'm going to be slated for this question, but would like to see the reaction. Remember folks it's just a question!

We think alike Albert, perhaps I'm not alone judging by some of the answers.

Answer 1

I agree. I had my children at a very young age and chose the fathers (yes, unfortunately that is plural) poorly. Our family (my children, myself, and my fiance) are paying for my poor judgment. I have tried and am still trying to raise decent, honest, respectable, caring, considerate, and strong young men but too be honest it's been a hard road because I didn't have much guidance when I was growing up. There were classes available in high school when I was there but they were not mandatory. Even those in attendance didn't take it seriously, it was an easy A. Maybe if I had to pass a test before having children I could have made more responsible decisions for them and they would have only one father who was in their lives regularly.
I do, however want to state that for the most part my kids are polite, don't swear (at least not around adults), eat healthy, are in good shape and health, and are generally dressed presentably (they are boys and have a tendency to get a bit scuffed up while playing). Do to my decisions my oldest has some behavioral problems but is in counseling for these issues. They are still young yet (10, 9, and 8) but I do hope that I am able to rear them in the right direction.

Answer 2

I see your point. Some parents do need help in raising their kids, but it might not be their fault. I know quite a few single mums that do a brilliant job and i know some parents who are together that are terrible parents and let their children walk all over them, drinking, smoking doing whatever. Its a fact some parents are terrible parents. I have 3 boys myself my eldest being 14 and it is hard, because half the time he wants to eat a chocolate bar for breakfast, and i have to make sure he has something healthy before he leaves for school. How do u know that these children your talking about dont have a good breakfast in the morning, then buy a packet of crisps on there way to school. I'm assuming that my son doesn't but he prob does. You cannot watch them 24 hours a day. It is difficult being a parent sometimes and its not always there fault.

Answer 3

Yes I see your point. Very well put. Children are ruling the world lately and they are getting out of hand. However what about the rest of us? The ones whose children are taught to behave? You yourself must be a good parent if you are one- should you have a lisence? The government already controls so much in this world... I'm not about to give them my ability to reproduce. This is something that is mine and mine alone. When I was little there were the bad kids then as well. As a matter of fact I still know men and women in their late 40's who still do drugs. So it has nothing to do with time really. Parenting is a very big responsibilty but how would the government control it? I think everyone should be forced into a parenting class that's for sure... perhaps they should make it a requirement at schools in order to graduate.

Answer 4

Yes - and I'd probably fail. I hve four children who can at times, all be a bit trying. Only, what will the state do with them?
Is it just the parent's fault though? Isn't our society which glamorises violence, drugs, drink and an anti-authority attitude to blame? It's easy to blame the parents. As my daughter says, her life would be much easier if I didn't care. And it's so hard being a proper parent when you have to fight against society every step of the way. I don't condone swearing - how come it's on tv? Drinking - why is it so easy for kids to buy it?
We all need lessons - and not just the parents.

Answer 5

Every parent should take parenting classes before becoming a parent, but we know that's not going to happen. You need to call DHR on these parents because the kids deserve better than this. They are probably living in an environment that is unhealthy and if DHR steps in, maybe they will cleanup their act and their children will learn some values. DHR does not have to tell them who called and reported them, but what you are seeing could be mental abuse by the parents. Help those kids.... Good luck..

Answer 6

You should have to keep a plant alive for a year, then a fish, then a dog or a cat. But even that is not enough. Parenting is common sense but some people don't even have that. My real hate is people who have kids taken into care then have more and it carries on. My kids are well behaved and clean, they have there moments but i learnt from my mum. Lessons and an exam would be a fantastic idea!!!!!.

Answer 7

No I disagree, where would it end? would people who are a little unhealthy not be able to have children as they might pass it on or smokers or drinkers (not alcoholics) (I smoke and have the occasional drink but that doesn't make me a bad parent but If i wanted to adopt i would not be allowed)
or couples who are under educated.
I think everyone has the right to have a child and at the end of the day how would you stop it happening??
Would you make women have an abortion who hadn't got a licence or who failed the test, Its against human rights completely, I think we would be better putting our time and money into sorting the problems out.

Answer 8

no i think your wrong, i mean what type of state do you want to live in. And if they did do something like this then what about the people who say cant have kids? What about them? Cause if you put a law like that in then there will be no orphans and so people who can't have children would not be able to know the wonders of having a child. Cause they would all be in a good home or dead already.

Answer 9

How on earth do you enforce a policy like that?

Do you test them before they get pregnant? If so, how do you stop them getting pregnant without the test? If not, you test them after they have the child - what if they fail? Do you take the kids away? I think there's a MAJOR human rights issue to be had here... This kind of "selective breeding" is very sinister indeed, with a little air of fascism....

Rawlyn.

Answer 10

You could argue that there was once a test. Not so long ago when couples didn't have sex before marriage the problem of one parent families and teenage mothers was practically non-existant. As people still believed n God, couples got married in a church and went to marriage preperation classes. There they learned the true meaning of family and the importance of children. Familes were attached tp their local communities and more experienced mother and familes were on hand to give advice to those who were just starting out

Feminism and the sexual revolution of the '60's was great right?!