Should Parents Be Licensed?

Parental licensing is a big deal. This step into the parenting world brings up much debate. Some people believe it infringes on their rights to be a parent and to have children, and others believe that this step is too big of a step to take. In my opinion, parental licensing takes the necessary steps that are needed in children’s rights education, but goes too far, and whatever test that is proposed will have its faults. I believe that parents should not be licensed, but there should be a requirement for all parents to take a specific course, either online or in person, that outlines children’s rights and the basics of parenting. This course would not have a grade and completion would allow adults to be parents. The reason I propose this instead of a test is because people study for tests, and then forget the information given to them. When there is no test, people try to learn the information, as there is no penalty so it gives more incentive to try.

As for the question, would parental licensing promote children’s rights in Canada? That question is undecided, it could promote rights, or the topic of children’s rights could remain exactly the same. First of all, parental licensing is serious, there are many questions that arise about the process of being licensed, the testing, who does the testing etc. So these questions and the qualifications of being a licensed parent would change the result as it affects children’s rights in Canada.

If parents were to be licensed, the topic of children’s rights can change, as more people could be educated on the topic of children’s rights. Children having rights could eventually become the norm in society. In Canada today, there is a program called Nobody’s Perfect which works with parents with children up to the age of 5. It works to promote healthy parenting, increase information about children’s health, safety, and behaviour, prevent violence in the family and more (canada.ca). The most recent study of this program was done in 2009, and it is believed to be an effective tool for parents and community members. I believe a licensing program that is based similarly to this Nobody’s Perfect program could work to promote children’s rights and decrease children’s rights violations in the home.

If parents were not to be licensed, life would continue as normal, but there are other alternatives to licensing. Providing more governmental parental support can be an initial step for parents. If the Nobody’s Perfect program is promoting children’s rights, the…