"Parents know what is best for their children" - to what extent do you agree?

[Bobby Martnen]

I strongly but not quite vehemently disagree with this. Parents are allowed to make far to many (in many cases permanent and major) decisions for their children, and everyone would be better off if the government played a more active role in parenting.

[sean]

Don't agree.

The biggest mistake I see parents make today is what I would call, not being a parent. Kids that grow up with everything are very maladjusted in later life. The healthiest upbringing is one where only the bare material necessities are provided, and children learn the value of hard work, of saving money and of not spending on frivolous bullshit consumer items. Ultimately, your children will be reflection of you. If you want them to be a certain way, you have to be that way. They easily see the hypocrisy of do as I say and not as I do.

However, most parents just won't admit having children is at best mediocre and at worst life crippling. Children turn out best with young, cash strapped parents that have functional and healthy relationship, having only one parent means the kid is not receiving adequate attention even if that parent is doing their best. Also seeing their parents go through different partners after the divorce is not a healthy way to instill good relationship values into children.

[Blondie]

I agree if the kid is younger than 14, above 14 i strongly disagree.

[Jana]

Don't agree.

The biggest mistake I see parents make today is what I would call, not being a parent. Kids that grow up with everything are very maladjusted in later life. The healthiest upbringing is one where only the bare material necessities are provided, and children learn the value of hard work, of saving money and of not spending on frivolous bullshit consumer items. Ultimately, your children will be reflection of you. If you want them to be a certain way, you have to be that way. They easily see the hypocrisy of do as I say and not as I do.

However, most parents just won't admit having children is at best mediocre and at worst life crippling. Children turn out best with young, cash strapped parents that have functional and healthy relationship, having only one parent means the kid is not receiving adequate attention even if that parent is doing their best. Also seeing their parents go through different partners after the divorce is not a healthy way to instill good relationship values into children.

Great post