We require licenses for everything except parenting...should potential parents be licensed?

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 18:10:27 -0400

We need a license to drive a car, get married, carry a concealed weapon...but not to become a parent! Should parenting skills be taught in school? Should potential parents pass a test before getting that marriage license?

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 12 at 2014 6:19 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 18:19:30 -0400

This is one of those that looks good on paper, and we could make very good arguments for it, but it would open a door that I don't think we would want opened.
My first question would be this. What would be on the test? Also, what would keep politicians (or anyone) from putting their own beliefs on such a test? Like forcing potential parents to accept something that goes against a religious belief? Or tying their hands when it comes to disciplining their children?
Just a couple of things that could be added to such a test...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 12 at 2014 8:38 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 20:38:37 -0400

In some cases, yes I believe they should, but obviously that will never happen.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 9:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 21:04:43 -0400

SGM Coberly,

I think this is a valid question that brings to mind an even larger societal issue than ill-prepared couples having children; namely, out-of-wedlock childbirth. There are well-documented links between being raised by a single parent and many other societal problems (crime especially). That isn't to say exceptions aren't out there (I came from a single-parent household and haven't become a negative statistic).

Let's fix that problem first, then worry about preparing couples to have children!

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Oct 12 at 2014 9:04 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 21:04:57 -0400

The government gets too involved as it is. Even if you have children they will dictate what they learn from school. I do think not everyone is cut out to be a parent but do you advocate abortion? Because if someone fails their drivers test, they don't drive (legally), if someone fails the parenting test what are you going to do with the unborn child? And this day and not everyone get married first. Should responsibility be taught? Yes, at home but how do you enforce that?