Chapter 7
from harm.In this regard,parents
sometimes must require unquestioning
compliance when a child faces an
imminent threat.A loving parent does not
allow a small child to“choose”whether or
not to run in front of a speeding car.As
children grow,the parents bandage their
hurts,play with them,read to them,and
keep them safe.All the while,
conscientious parents continue to set
limits and to explain the consequences of
their children’s actions:“If you jump from
there,you will hurt yourself”;“When you
hit your sister,it hurts her.”Both
physically and socially,parents teach
children how the world works.
Aschildren growolder,theparents’goal
istotransfer responsibility for protection
back tothechild.Thismeansteaching
children thevaluesandskillsnecessary to
makewisedecisionsof their own.
Indiscussingtheparentalgoalof
protection,itcouldbesaidthatchildren
havea“right”toexpecttheirparentsto
protectthem.Argumentsaboutchildren’s
rightsgenerallyrevolvearoundtheextentto
whichchildrenareentitledtocertainrights.
Thatistosay,whichadultrightsarethey
entitledto,andatwhatagedotheyqualify
fortheserights?Despitethesefinepointsof
contention,internationalgroupssuchasthe
UnitedNationsassertunequivocallythat
childrenhaverightsbyvirtueof theirbirth.
Forexample,theyhavetheright:- to a loving,caring environment
- to be told they are loved
- to be listened to
- to have their thoughts,ideas,and
feelings respected - to be played with
- to have help with their learning
- Most of all,to feel cherished.
TrustChildren learn to trust their parents
because mom and dad are responsible for
feeding them,caring for them,and loving
them. Children learn to rely on their
A primary goal of parenting young children is protection. parents for physical, emotional, andImagefromBigstockPhoto.com/rosesmith333