Do you think the developed countries have protected children so much that parents are now victims?

Question

I believe developed countries have done a lot to protect children such that their parents are now victims of abuse by their own children. Because they can choose whether or not to smoke, have sex, go to school at the age of 10 - who will control them. Parents cannot administer the necessary and occassional spank to instill discipline without getting a call from social services for child abuse.

Because a child gets pregnant at 14 to enjoy state benefits!, she is not ready to be a mother, smokes throughout the pregnancy to keep the baby small - the developed world has seen an unprecedented increase in disabled children being born. Parenting has become a nightmare and many couples are opting to do without children. Should laws protecting children be reviewed to draw the line between disciplinary action and abuse?

Answer 1

Having just completed another Child Protection Course with the NHS Trust for which I work, I can honestly say that it is a nightmare to be a parent these days, especially a father.

Perfectly innocent games and "Closeness" are now interpreted by so called professionals as abuse of one sort or another, and in my experience, most of these professionals that I have met and work with, are not even parents.

It is right and proper for the state to protect children, but I do believe that the legislation is sound, but the interpretation of it is flawed.

Answer 2

I think you are equating parental control with hitting children. It is not because a parent does not hit their child that they behave in the way you describe. Sometimes, children fall in with the wrong group and regardless of how well they are brought up, they will still behave this way. Hitting them will not solve the problem.

Furthermore, it is not hitting them that makes them behave. It is continually interacting and reacting with children throughout their lives, correcting them where necessary, which creates respectful, well-rounded children. Children shown love and respect tend to engender that in themselves and behave accordingly.

This type of behviour tends to be borne out of parental disinterest in their child rather than not hitting them. It is too late at 13 or 14 years old to suddenly realise that you have a parental duty to raise your child to respect other people and property. This should start from day 1 as soon as the child can understand you and then constantly throughout their lives.

Answer 3

As much as I agree with protecting our children from abuse and neglect, I also find that children are growing up with nothing to fear whilst parent live on edge. Sometimes I wonder if things would be the same if we still had the cane. Although we never had it at school, had it have been there, I know I would have been petrified.

Answer 4

As long as children know wherecthey are with you it is possible to cope without any abuse.
Children learn much more from what they see in you than what you say
Changing the law would make little difference. Changing adult behaviour might

Answer 5

yes i believe they should.it is pathetic the way children in this part of the world talk to the elderly people around them, they have no respect for anyone around them. where i come from you would hardly see anyone smoking not to talk of teenegers. they have got too much freedom. they cannot even be smaked by their own parents, that is stupidity. spare the rod and spoil the child.

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

No