Posted on Oct 12, 2014
SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
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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?
Posted in these groups: Parenting logo ParentingRings MarriagePolicy Policy
Edited 10 y ago
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Responses: 4
SPC James Mcneil
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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...
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SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
SGM (Join to see)
10 y
SPC Mcneil--agree, at first glance it smacks of the Taliban...however we do already require a marriage license! Why not simply require a parenting class? I have to take a safe driver's course....
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SPC James Mcneil
SPC James Mcneil
10 y
Would that be a course required before they have sex?  How would you keep that from happening?  J/S...
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CPT Cavalry Officer
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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!
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SSG Pete Fleming
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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?
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CPO Head Of Department/Senior Medical Department Representative, Battalion Aid Station
CPO (Join to see)
5 y
“Enforce” is too active a requirement. “Support” is a better role.
Support looks like lower incarceration rates for lesser crimes (12 days instead of 12 years for the father of three who had a cell phone in jail).
Support looks like more pay for school teachers and less pay for athletes and movie stars.
Support looks like lower cost for prescription medications that a physician decided are necessary for good health.
Just to name a few.
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