THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505180004
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 30 lines
Regarding the new law holding parents ``more accountable for the behavior of their sons and daughters'': Are there any children who might enjoy ``getting even'' with their parents for real or imagined abuses? Can behavior be successfully legislated? Is there any other way children can be encouraged to show respect for themselves and the adults in their lives?
Perhaps prospective parents could be educated in the ways to ``train up a child in the way he should go.'' That might be easier and more effective than to punish children and parents for misdeeds. The major problem here is that no one really knows how to be a parent. Neither is there any formula that will work with more than one individual child.
The current columns in newspapers asking teens and children their wishes, opinions and advice on various subjects is fine in many respects; it is probably better than the ancient idea that children should be ``seen and not heard.'' But is it fair to them to ask for ``output'' when some of them have had little time and opportunity for life's experiences and ``input''?
HELEN HELMBOLD
Portsmouth, May 10, 1995 by CNB