Mama Helen

A few minutes ago I came across an article in which an ex Family Court judge was proposing that parents should have to hold 'licenses' if they wished to raise children. Licenses would be issued upon evidence that the home environment was one that didn't put children 'at risk'. If parents refused to comply with the Governments checklist they would face sanctions that could include having their children removed.

I know that there are a lot of dysfunctional families out there, and I'm aware that kids are getting messed up for life as a result of it. But is this really the answer we're looking for? Maybe it would allow quicker identification of harmful behaviour and environments but what would it cost us? Well, it would cost parents their authority for a start. Under the present system, parents can (within the bounds of the law) raise their children as they see fit, for better or worse. Admittedly sometimes it is for the worse but what's the alternative? That the New Zealand Government lays down rules for how a family should be run. A slightly ironic scenario, as the driving core of our Government consists of a tight group of childless lesbians who at every turn oppose the traditional family structure. And we're supposed to believe that they'll know best what a supportive and loving family environment should be like. Abusive homes are a real problem however, and perhaps are largely to blame for the increasing crime rate in other areas. The solution isn't going to come from regulation though. It has to come from a change of heart, parent by parent; a desire (followed by action) to choose for the best of their children, regardless of inconvenience, pain or sacrifice.