Creative Tutors of Cypress-Fairbanks

When Did Children Get Rights?

Ok Parents!!!!! Most of you won’t like reading this blog, because it was somewhat painful to write.

How many times have you or I heard a parent say, "I don't think Suzy will do that." "It would help her, but I don't force him to do anything he doesn't want to do" "Joe won’t do that."

Follow up:

The question of today is: "When did children get rights?" When parents did begin adjusting their calendar around their children’s calendars? Actually, when did children get a calendar and or day planner? When did parents start allowing children to restrict or exempt themselves from things that are both beneficial and profitable?

Ok, I admit it!!! Even I have said this about my own children, "I would, but she said she won’t go/ do it/ try it." When did kids become so powerful? I went back and looked at the Child Labor Laws. I began searching for the Children's Union. I started looking for the Children’s Legal Representation Defense Fund.

And to a man, void of search, I found nothing that was of concern. The reality is that we have empowered our kids, and appropriately so, but we have allowed it to go to the extreme. Our grandparents had it right about children's rights, and I believe that we must adjust the "laws" so that our children can reach their full potential. It is these adjustments that I believe will allow our students to become the powerful and well rounded individuals they are intended to be.

I know you are thinking; What if they strike? What if they refuse to live in our homes? What if they refuse to food from our kitchen, refuse to eat at 4 and 5 star restaurants, refuse to wear the designer clothes we provide, refuse to drive the car we provide (and often fill with fuel)? What if children all over decided to leave our manicured lawns, return to us their expensive cell phones (which we paid for and the bill as well) gave us their iPods, cancel their hair and spa appointments, refused to play club volleyball/baseball/basketballs and our weekend trips to the mall to spend our money?

We must take charge of the present to give proper charge to the future. As parents, our children will only become as much as they are prepared for, exposed to, and pressed towards.

Are we helping our children by allowing them to opt out of things that will benefit them? The answer is no! Parents, join me in taking a stand. Take a stand with me to reclaim power from the Children's Union! Let's stand up to their legal representation. Let us make decisions for our children without the fear of strikes. It is time for a change, and there is not time better than the present.

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Comments:

Comment from: Kim [Visitor]

03/17/09 @ 12:57

I can't agree more that many parents are relinquishing their parental duties to guide and teach their children. Much of what we do in life is hard or unpleasant and this is something kids must learn to appropriately deal with before they become adults. Life is not always a bowl of cherries. Within set boundaries, children must be given choices which will allow them to succeed or fail in a safe environment. There are also times when the parent will understand that preforming a task is beneficial for the child's growth and development. To allow the child total control over decision making or allow them to dictate what they will or will not do may, at times, be easier parenting, it will not help them develop into productive members of society. It is also a mistake on the part of the parent to assume there are no legal challenges to parental control. As we change administration of our federal government, there is a new push to have the US ratify the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child which was adopted by the U.N. on Nov. 20, 1989. If ratified, this treaty will supercede many federal and state laws regarding parent-child relationships. There is a provision which ensures that children are able to express their views in all matters that affect them, giving some weight to the child's age and maturity level. So, there may well be a legal "out" for children which would allow them even more power to challenge childrearing practices by their parents. Just something else to consider...

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Meet Johnny & Quinita Ogletree | Owners

Johnny grew up in Houston and there after receiving his graduate degree. He has spent time working with and serving families and children for over nine years, as a mentor, family therapist, and substitute teacher. Johnny earned a B.S. in Political Science and Master of Divinity at Samuel D. Proctor School of Theology. He has spent most of his time working in the community as a role model and mentor and has worked as the Pastor of Community Life for over five years. Currently working as Teen Pastor there, Johnny has a heart for children and enjoys seeing them excel and reach their full potential.

Quinita attended Virginia Union University under a Presidential Scholar Award and obtained a B.A. in Psychology and Master of Divinity from the Samuel D. Proctor School of Theology. She has recently completed work on her second Masters degree from University of Houston in Educational Psychology, and is now enrolled at Texas A & M in pursuit of her Doctorate. Quinita hails from a family of educators who have served the public for over 30 years. Quinita has worked in the field of education for over eight years, as an Assistant Director of Preschool and Christian Academy; teacher at a NAEYC accredited school, tutor, and nanny. She is a life-long learner, who is interested in seeing children enjoy excelling academically while pursing scholarly endeavors. She is passionate about equipping children with educational skills that will transform their lives and prepare them for a rewarding career. Her job requires her to develop and implement an after-school program and supervise a staff and deal directly with parents and student of all ages.