Before I Start, let me state that the ideas presented here are all my own and not necessarily represent any other person, political group, religion, or public office, but I can hope to change that with my thesis.

It seems that a day will not go by when I hear about a child who has been either neglected, abused or who’s “Parents” simply do not give a damn about them. We all complain about the fact that our society appears to be going to hell, that the kids are not learning, the crime rate is out of control and we all have either little or no idea what is happening. Some will tell you we need more religion, or discipline or laws, but I believe I can tell you the true core of it all. It all comes down to we as Parents. We are the ones who are responsible for making sure our kids are brought up correctly that when they enter school each day and ready to learn they are prepared, but far too many of us are failing to do this most important task of our lives. In this Country we need a license and often-special training to drive a car, to run a business, to be a Doctor or a Lawyer, and a thousand other less important things, yet any man woman or even child can become a parent. No special Training no license, nothing before becoming pregnant, we get pregnant, wait nine months and there you go. We often talk and hear about the Rights of Parents and that Parents Rights are being violated, but rarely do we hear of the responsibilities of Parents. No one has a Right to be a parent; this is the greatest of privileges that can be bestowed on a human being. We have the responsibility to insure that should we be allowed to rear a child that we give that child all the love, protection and teaching as possible.

Children are often treated as little more than property in this Country. They are discarded when no longer convenient, worse beaten and/or killed. The world and our thinking needs to change or we as a species will cease to exist. Our Children are dependent from Birth on our care and protection, which is why Nature makes them so cute, that way they are easier to love. There are some who believe that their “Right” to be a Father or a Mother is more important than any consideration of the needs of these children, but I say no they have not the Right, but the privilege of Parenthood.

Now what I am proposing, to be honest I doubt that can get anything passed that would work in the long run in a free society, but I hope you all have listened. If I had my way all men and woman would have to take mandatory parenting classes to help prepare and educate them on the care and education of their proposed child. They then would have to pass a test including a practical supervised demonstration of these skills before they were allowed to have a Child. The fact is there is no way to completely prepare you for parenthood, but we can take the time and effort to seek help when we need it. There are programs available through Churches, County Health Departments and even the local Colleges that will help those in need and even all of us who think we are super parents. The Biggest key to remember is that we each and every one of us are responsible for how these kids turn out and we have all got to do are part to insure the job is done correctly. If you see a kid that is doing something he is not suppose to, get on his case if the parent is not around find them and let them know what is going on. If you see kids getting, abused or neglected then report it, so that the parents will get help. Most importantly if you are not a Parent yet think, learn, and prepare before making that step. If you are teen thinking about having sex remember a moment of pleasure is not worth a lifetime of responsibility till you are ready. We are all responsible for our actions, but also for insuring that children are protected and cared for and educated in our society. When Hillary Clinton said, “It takes a Village to Raise a Child” She was much ridiculed, but she was and is 100% correct.

Chris