tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post8158286487256748502..comments2023-10-26T08:37:12.232-04:00Comments on Heleni Smith: License to parentAthena Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11483906167304901085noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-67683790847062612502009-02-23T12:34:00.000-05:002009-02-23T12:34:00.000-05:00I honestly believe that the issues we have with ch...I honestly believe that the issues we have with child abuse would become a thing of the past. Just like if you were going to adopt.Woman after giving birth should also be forced to go see a physiologist to make sure they do not have post-pardon depression. And as far as a 12 year old having a baby, that is ridiculous, when did they find time to be alone together? My mom always wanted to know who I was with and where I was going.There are various situations where one is either planned, accidentally, or for some unforeseen circumstances forcefully put in the position of parents. What standards epitomize what a good parent should be? this is ludacris!!!!Wanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14432624399122574739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-65629435599939727602009-02-23T07:42:00.000-05:002009-02-23T07:42:00.000-05:00The vast majority so far has voted against the ide...The vast majority so far has voted against the idea.Interesting!Athena Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11483906167304901085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-82552828230460533162009-02-23T07:40:00.000-05:002009-02-23T07:40:00.000-05:00QuagmireThank you for sharing your personal story....Quagmire<BR/>Thank you for sharing your personal story. You are in school however, you will graduate and you will have a hell of a story to tell your kids. PLus you will also be an excellent role model to them.Athena Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11483906167304901085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-50376144300511015812009-02-22T23:47:00.000-05:002009-02-22T23:47:00.000-05:00In my opinion, a father at the age of 13 is far fr...In my opinion, a father at the age of 13 is far from the age of maturity, responsibility, and independence that is critical in order to raise a child. The idea of tests in order to assess your ability to father a child is very reasonable because if you fail as a parent, its not you who pays, its the innocent unfortunate child that will suffer. Im not denying anyone the right to bear children, but if you choose to do so at such a young age, taking a simple test should not be such a burden on you if you truly care for your child and have the intention of giving him or her the best. Psychology and sociology tell us that children at this age have not matured fully and it would be stupid to put the life of a child in a potentially uncaring and irresponsible teenagers hands. Although standardized testing may not be the best measure of ones ability to raise a child, its a step in the right direction and in order to solve the root of the problem, proper education and lessons must be taught to our youth in order to help them make better life changing decisions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-12599762535240557742009-02-22T23:21:00.000-05:002009-02-22T23:21:00.000-05:00When I read this I was just not happy to see a you...When I read this I was just not happy to see a young boy of 12 years old with a child and his girlfriend was only 15. I am aware that in this world there is alot of young kids becoming parents. Becoming a young parent is dangerous and can ruin the parents and the childs life in many ways. Such as not having the right state of mind to care for this child mentally physically, emotionally and financially. It becomes a burden and a struggle. We as adults know how hard it is to raise a family and it takes a toll on us, imagine a young child that isn't equipped for the hardships of parenting. My oppinion is that I would love and vote for parenting at a young age under 18 years of age to be illegal and against the law. If they decide to make that choice and have children under age 18 they should be penalized, what penalty I havnt thought that far yet. But something strong so that they will be scared to break the law in that way. It's scary to that this world has come to this, and its getting worse its not getting any better. The people of today and as a whole is loosing respect and the morals of family of this human race. I agree with the test because a test can determine the knowledge and understanding an individual may have on being a good parent and if you have this wisdom and understanding of parenting your chances of being a good parent is greater than for those who are ignorant of parenting. For example we are in school to gain the knowldege to prepare us for our career right.. So if we dont have the knowledge and concept of our studies and subjects then we lack the information and understanding of our courses. THen the outcome is that we don't pass the class. FOr some we repeat the class and for some we dont want to even finish school. Same goes for the Licence to parent, with the proper testing it can determine how much knowledge this young child has on parenting skills. Thats why we need a degree or a licence to practice medicine etc.......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-84420011790565227482009-02-22T22:58:00.000-05:002009-02-22T22:58:00.000-05:00I think that licensing is an extreme, but as a soc...I think that licensing is an extreme, but as a society we wouldn’t have to come to this as a solution to irresponsible people. Having a child is a beautiful thing and sometimes people take that for granted. No one is ever really prepared for a child and what they may bring. At 15 and 13 an individual can’t drive to the store on their own and purchase dippers and milk to care for the baby. Also when you have more than one child the personal attention and love that each child needs is taken away with every being that is brought into this world. I think that we do need to start taking more responsibility for actions and if a license is the way to go then so be it.John Deere Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10356153704657169558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-91009596728784338782009-02-22T22:46:00.000-05:002009-02-22T22:46:00.000-05:00i think it is unethical for the government to make...i think it is unethical for the government to make it a requirement to have a license to bear children. i feel its something the government should have no part or say in, although i do feel they should enforce some type of defence against underage pregnancies. the difficulties with that is the options to what they can do is limited. as for the competency test, different nationalities raise their children differently relevent to their own culture therefor it would be a handicap for many.Millz617https://www.blogger.com/profile/05803414318101744029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-2085815713020734522009-02-22T22:43:00.000-05:002009-02-22T22:43:00.000-05:00This is such a slippery slope because we must remi...This is such a slippery slope because we must remind ourselves that we are dealing with human beings with human emotions. In no way would we ever be able to enforce such laws as testing future parents because we would never find a proper way to moderate the system without it becoming corrupted. In what way would we go about setting "guidelines" for new parents anyways? Sure we would all like to see children brought up in drug-free, abusive-free, safe homes but licensing mothers and fathers just doesn't seem right to me. There’s something very “Big Brother-ish” about it and if we started these kinds of tests, soon we would be applying for marriage, told what job we are well “suited” for, and destined to live a life controlled by someone else. Honestly, I like living a free life, with the ability to live the way I want to.Lesterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11220655230128261142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-44909438437115211992009-02-22T22:42:00.000-05:002009-02-22T22:42:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Lesterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11220655230128261142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-57616438335418527122009-02-22T21:48:00.000-05:002009-02-22T21:48:00.000-05:00I agree with BabyBri22 when she said “I believe th...I agree with BabyBri22 when she said “I believe that when it comes to children having children testing is out of the question at that point. Their age proves that they are not responsible and no test can prove that a child should be placed in their hands.” I also agree that the test is not enough to guarantee the chance of the children to raise a child. I believe that to be able to raise a child a person has to be old enough and had to go through their teen years and also have experience in this life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-36406003415879841492009-02-22T21:42:00.001-05:002009-02-22T21:42:00.001-05:00A test does not prove anything. There are many adu...A test does not prove anything. There are many adults in this world that can not take care of their children. A test will not determine if the parent can be there when the child needs them or when the take care of the child financially and emotionally. A young boy and a girl having a child is a problem. The best way to solve that problem is through education because kids are going to do what they want to do. I'm sure when everyone was little they did not do as they where told. If they could not do it they will find some way to get it done. through education they would at least know what they could do to protect themselves or what will happen if they do this. No I do not think there should be a license to a parent to become a parent because the license would have specific rules and people raise their kids different ways. Also you never know how the parent would treat behind close doors. A license does not change horrible parents. Just like a driving license does not change a drunk driver from driving and harming people lives.mpierrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05511003533924408493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-2762422027407314232009-02-22T21:42:00.000-05:002009-02-22T21:42:00.000-05:00Unlike many other decisions, to decide whether to ...Unlike many other decisions, to decide whether to take away the child of a teen boy or girl or to give them the right to keep the child is a very hard decision. Wither side of the coin has its pros and cons. If we take away the child, they parents of the child might feel sad, depraved, etc… which might cause depression or serious effects to their emotions. If we let them the privilege of having the child, then the child might have the chance to grow with a little different concept about life because the parents aren’t mature enough. Remember that to be able to raise a child does not only require financial stability but to make sure that child grows mentally healthy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-80890320342407467202009-02-22T20:26:00.000-05:002009-02-22T20:26:00.000-05:00I believe that when it comes to children having ch...I believe that when it comes to children having children testing is out of the question at that point. Their age proves that they are not responsible and no test can prove that a chilld should be placed in their hands. How can children think that can raise a baby and they are not even old enough to work or even get to the teen years of age. The government should make a rule or something saying that if a child does have a baby the option of the birth mother or fathers parents can gain custudy until the parents are of age. Now if an adult has a child i still think that testing is something that should not be thought about. It is their child and they are of age to raise it how they want.BabyBri22https://www.blogger.com/profile/01441164041441710169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-22282529637813863632009-02-22T19:50:00.000-05:002009-02-22T19:50:00.000-05:00I totally agree with Hugh LaFollette. What is wron...I totally agree with Hugh LaFollette. What is wrong with a having a license for parenthood!? In my opinion, it’s about time someone pulled their head out of their *ss and faced reality. We put nearly all potential adoptive parents through extensive and rigorous back ground checks, not to mention all the money that changes hands, only to ensure that children are entrusted into a good and loving home. Yet, anyone from street corner prostitutes, to underage teens, to abusive parents can have at will as many kids as they choose and enslave their children into a lifetime of poverty and abuse, thus continuing the vicious cycle that has become a large part of the American society.nomad0526https://www.blogger.com/profile/06691441628968813202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-32098527011616348492009-02-22T19:46:00.001-05:002009-02-22T19:46:00.001-05:00Having a "liscense to parent" would be ridiculous....Having a "liscense to parent" would be ridiculous. Who's to judge who a good parent or bad parent is before the kid is even born? I do agree with most people that in this particular situation the kid was too young to become a father at 13 years of age, he hasn't learned yet what it takes to raise a kid that comes with getting older. Bad and good parents come in all different ages of life, the one thing I believe should happen is instead of a parent licensing,the parents should be closely watched to make sure that they are providing proper care for the kid, and if they are not then the government should step in and take the kid from the parents instead of judging by some kind of test that proves nothing.DenverBroncos8https://www.blogger.com/profile/08583346808581789144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-75026364892323973982009-02-22T19:46:00.000-05:002009-02-22T19:46:00.000-05:00Requiring a license to parent is the most ridiculo...Requiring a license to parent is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. Planned parenting has been taught in our schools for years with no prevail. Instead of making it a law, we should continue to find other ways to educate our youngsters. More focus on birth control would be a good start. Encouraging the use of birth control, education and awareness is the only ammunition out there. Our welfare system would not be as overloaded if we could control unwanted or unplanned pregnancies at any age. Much work is needed to continue this uphill battle.Get-Me-A-RedBullhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11494265232595067036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-92191988277347510872009-02-22T19:37:00.000-05:002009-02-22T19:37:00.000-05:00All human beings are endowed with the ability to c...All human beings are endowed with the ability to create life; this does not mean that we are all suitable to be parents. Although many people around the world are not fit to be parents I don’t believe it is necessary to have a parenting license in order to have children. Don’t get me wrong I think that certain people shouldn’t have kids due to their social status. For example, homeless people, mentally ill, and the mentally handicapped shouldn’t have kids only because they are unable to take care of their own lives let alone someone else’s. Becoming a parent takes much responsibility but even still a license should not be needed in order to have child. In my opinion, becoming a parent should not be the same as getting a drivers license and the idea of needing a license to be a parent is totally absurd.ijozhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16063507988741279364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-9908566718964804832009-02-22T19:17:00.000-05:002009-02-22T19:17:00.000-05:00It is ridiculous enough to hear of young ones havi...It is ridiculous enough to hear of young ones having their own, but to hear that they should take a test to be a parent to the child they have already produced?! How does this make sense? They want to have sex like grown ups then they should deal with the consequences like grown ups. I think that the parents of these kids should step in and take care of the babies for a time since the kids are still learning about themselves, and if they don’t have parents then some kind of guardian. It’s shocking that the kids actually get away with it and know what they’re doing. Where are the parents? The babysitters? The relatives? And what good is the test if the test maker is basing a good parent on themselves? How do you know that said person is a good parent? There are so many flaws in the test it’s not even funny. The test is a joke.Sandy6https://www.blogger.com/profile/17690778671331970563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-14670177440209045182009-02-22T19:10:00.000-05:002009-02-22T19:10:00.000-05:00I believe it is a good idea to license parents. I ...I believe it is a good idea to license parents. I wish we wouldn't have to, but it seem that parents are becoming younger and younger by the day. Maybe if the license does become legal, then people or kids will think twice of wearing a condom or come kind of protection. At first I thought it wouldn't be fair to us, and we should have the free right to have as many kids as we wish. Then again, I feel that people are becoming too irresponsible and they don't think about the consequences.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-32685560915152720482009-02-22T18:02:00.000-05:002009-02-22T18:02:00.000-05:00I beleive that you should not be alloud to put a l...I beleive that you should not be alloud to put a license on parenting. Instead of handing out sex licenses they should spend more time on better educating parents in teaching their kids about waiting and using safe sex to prevent them from haveing children too young. I know by the time I was 12 i knew the consequences of having sex and the outcomes that happen from it. I listened and now I am 24 and still haven't had any children because I am not ready for that commitment. So basically I'm saying don't be a crappy parent and educate your children about practicing safe sex while there young so they know what the consequenses are and hopefully help them to make better decissions. Don't wait for school or someone else to tell them, because it could be too late.steven.majdeckihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00253705356598152038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-53866914335563843672009-02-22T17:41:00.000-05:002009-02-22T17:41:00.000-05:00It is bad that 14 year old boys are having childre...It is bad that 14 year old boys are having children. Its very ridicoulous. I dont think there should be a standards or test to have children either. Yes the young boys have responsible but i blame this on more of the parents not watching what there kids are doing. You have to be monitoring whats going on in your childrens life. I know if i was a father i wouldnt be watching my son or daughter making sure they werent having kids. But if I chose to have kids and i felt ready and i was of a certain age where i can afford raising a kid i shouldnt have to take some standardized test to see if i can. Its a mixed feeling for me. However i dont think you can inforce this, but very interesting story.Alex370000https://www.blogger.com/profile/04088449964398263837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-27193329825587369032009-02-22T17:26:00.000-05:002009-02-22T17:26:00.000-05:00I believe that there should be a required parentin...I believe that there should be a required parenting class to educate. It will also help someone realize if they are ready for parenthood. However, I do not agree that someone has the right to tell a man or a woman that they do or do not have the right to have children. That is their choice and their choice alone. When it comes to the 13 and 15-year-old kids who had a child, you have to look at the parents or guardian. I feel that it is their fault and not the children. Why did they not educate them and where were they when they were making this child. Yes, there are some parents that should not be parents, that is true. But why should we take the right away from people that are intelligent and adult to have a child.DLG2009https://www.blogger.com/profile/09448188621857194878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-54418237802219200072009-02-22T17:04:00.001-05:002009-02-22T17:04:00.001-05:00Grenadian, you dont think theres such a thing as g...Grenadian, you dont think theres such a thing as good/bad parents. Hust different ways of raising children? That might be the most un-educated thing i've ever heard. So the lady who drowned her kids, she must be trying new disciplinary actions right? Come on you got to explain yourself if your going to make statements like that.Quagmire813https://www.blogger.com/profile/01538652008985104896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-13418780207864087202009-02-22T17:04:00.000-05:002009-02-22T17:04:00.000-05:00I believe that we should have a licensing system t...I believe that we should have a licensing system to be a parent some sort of class or something to go thru. Because i believe just because you can have kids doesnt mean you should be a parent. Too many times have i seen abuse in so many different forms. There are just some people who are not fit to be parents.I would vote to approve a bill that required a class or something. But granted it would be incredibly difficult to regulate and enforce. Penalties for having children without a license would be interesting to see. But i agree that there needs to be some sort of System to decide whether or not people are eligble to be good parentsrushfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02283806483059407732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951811281604727291.post-70051321966918945262009-02-22T16:30:00.000-05:002009-02-22T16:30:00.000-05:00I think that it is crazy to think that a standardi...I think that it is crazy to think that a standardized test can tell if someone is fit to be a parent. I do think that more should be done to teach kids about abstinence and to teach them at a very early age because nowadays kids are moving at a faster pace. I think that it is sad that they are going to be parents at such an early age because they have to give up a lot of things in order to raise a child and they probably still aren’t mature enough to know how to raise the child. I do hope that the grandparents will be there for them and help them with the child because they will need it*V@N3*https://www.blogger.com/profile/05401281386676808890noreply@blogger.com