Do you think that the change from AFDC to TANF is what encouraged gangsta behavior in children?

Question

AFDC allowed moms to stay home and supervise their children---TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) put everyone out to work at dead-end, unfulfilling jobs---and put children into the daycare system...later more latchkey kids to experiment with everything known to humankind...Thoughts on this?

Shannon & Treasure: Just in the fact that children have NO supervision...are free to go/do whatever they want...starting at VERY early ages

Answer 1

Yes having read what you asked twice I agree with day care for the younger pre-school kid, but see where the problem would then arrive as they would finish school and unsupervised.
It will lead to all types of anti-social behaviour, gangs etc.
At that age the moms should be able to get part time work, and some kind of income tested assistance.

Answer 2

I don't think it's what encourages "gangsta" behavior directly but I do think that the current system encourages the breakdown of the family unit which usually leads to inappropriate behavior as a result of lack of supervision (as one parent can't be at work and watching the child at the same time).

It's pretty sad when you have to choose between having the father of your child live in the home with you and getting benefits that you need to feed your children.

Treasure, bad genes? That's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Should I assume that your comment is a result of malicious genes inherited from your parents?

Answer 3

I don't think it is necessarily government policy that has led to gansta behaviour.I would like to say that it's kids making bad choices that has led to their gangsta behaviour.Many families have households where both parents work and their children are responsible and respectful young people.The government has yet to pass a law that makes people be loving and caring parents nor does the government have a policy that guarantees stay at home mom's have children who never get in trouble.Children should learn from a young age that actions and choices have consequences and accountability.How do you explain children who make bad choices and their parents have tried their best to set good examples, set rules and standards of behaviour for their children.Some kids just make mistakes because they seem to think they know everything.Most parents love their children and try to do their best each day.It would seem that low income families can't win.... if they get social assistance they are accused of being lazy, if they go to work they are bad parents for not supervising their children.What do we call the middle and upper class parents who are over achievers and are seldom home....would their kids be gangsta kids too?How many poor little rich kids do you see that strut around feeling entitled to everything and treating others like dirt.If you think I'm exagerating talk a stroll in the mall and see if they move aside for a stroller or the elder?A punk is a punk regardless of their parents or the household income.

Answer 4

I have to agree with you, but still have a problem with how to support the solo moms/dads with out the system being open to abuse.
Over here there were women barely out of their teens, getting pregnant, and claiming benefits, then when that was to cease because of the child's age they would just get pregnant again.
They learnt that from their mothers and grandmothers who had sponged off the system for decades.
I lived in a house where one of the neighbours had such a mindset and there were 3 generations living there, until they were moved to a larger state house, big enough for all of them.

Answer 5

Just bad genes.

Answer 6

how does it encourage gangsta behavior?