With all the harm a bad parent can do, shouldn't people need a licence to parent?

Answer 1

I used to really like this idea...the problem is the Constitution.

One of the Fundamental rights of the 14th amendment is the right to privacy/right to decide the upbringing of your family.

To do this a state would have to show a compelling need to require licenses. Then if proved...the statewould have to ensure they are not arbitrary in giving them out.

For instance what are the requirements? Can't use money we all know some rich folks are lowsy parents..i.e.Menedez Family.

Then you can use race or education...all you could really do is require a class that most wont pay attention in or if you need a grade will do just enough to pass...this is just unworkable right now...but an idea to say the least.

Answer 2

Yes, you are correct!

So many people have families before they are ready to do so or when they are unwilling to do so.

Most religions require a course of some sort of instruction before they allow a couple to get married, why can't they require one before the couple decides to have a child. This way the government wouldn't have control over what is said during that instruction period.

Then with the signature of the preacher or religious leader the Justice of the Peace could issue a license. If the parents are not involved in a religion then Child Protective Services could offer the class. It would be so much better to be proactive rather than reactive.

Hospitals could also offer the course, since they offer prenatal courses.

However, enforcing it would be hard since two parents can have a child without help from anyone else. Also people would resist the idea of having their right to procreate infringed upon. The requirement for the license could be only that the course is taken before the child is born and it could be offered as part of prenatal training and birthing classes.

Every mother would be glad if their husbands were taught how to feed a baby, to change their diapers, and to feed them. They would love to share the burden. So you have got a large population that would support it.

However, passing such a law would face a long uphill struggle. You have sold me now you just have to convince the rest of the world.

Answer 3

well i guess because the idea of what makes a good or bad parent varies too greatly from person to person. all though people who are obviously terrible parents should be sterilized. i.e. the woman who lives next to me and cusses her kids out leaves them unsupervised etc shouldn't be allowed to recreate. i found her two year old wandering outside twice in the same day. it was a little chilly and he didn't have on a jacket or anything. just a thin long sleeved shirt. his skin was cold to the touch when i found him. which meant with the temperatures outside (it was about 50 and the sun was still out) he had to have been out there for a while. she leaves her 8 or 9 year old child to look after him. she doesn't work and her boyfriend who is the father of her little baby and the two year old is in jail and when he wasn't used to shoot his gun off outside where children were playing. but if they tried to keep people from reproducing then i can't imagine the uproar that would cause. i haven't yet to figure out why people who don't want to take care of the kids even have them to begin with.

Answer 4

That sounds like a good concept; however, look at the pathetic job done by governments now trying to protect children from bad parents and you realize it is an impossible task.

Answer 5

Heck yes!!! In fact- The goverment should set a restriction on the amount of kids a family should have! There are too many kids out there who dont know any better- having children!

Especially those who in no way can afford to care of themselves.. how can you have 10 children and then no car? I'm 18 yr old college student who constantly has to travel on public buses crowded with strollers. It drives me insane!!! People need to close their legs... yeeeshhh!!! sorry =] lol

Answer 6

I think a couple expecting should have to go through parenting classes and that it should be covered by insurance and if they don't have insurance then it should be free to them. All new parents need to be educated by parents who have raised healthy productive citizens perhaps then we might have a bit less child abuse.

Answer 7

i'm not sure that a license is the answer but maybe all people who are expecting children should go through parenting classes.

Answer 8

No, because who determines who will get the permit? We do not need a central government controlling and dictating our moves.

Answer 9

No, its is a natural right and priveralage to have and care for children.

Answer 10

it sure would put a crimp in the 70% out of wedlock birthrate of minorities...