Child-rearing is an awesome responsiblity. It is the undertaking that forms the next generation, even at the expense of extreme demands on the parents. It is a noble pursuit, which is why many worthless people pursue it: in the hope of achieving purpose and nobility.
Unfortunately, it seems most parents don't live up to the demands. They seek the benefits, but without the reciprocal hardships. Perhaps it's human nature since it seems most people everywhere seek reward without work and avoid consequences even if it means bringing hardship on another.
But back to parents.
I could go on about the spineless, undisciplined parent who passes on his or her sins by refusing to put in the effort necessary to develop self-discipline in his or her scions. Often this is a result of laziness, but sometimes it's due to a foolish perception of compassion. There are actually myriad topics that could be presented to demonstrate how parenting is an awful profession for the selfish among us, but here I'll just focus on the public behavior of children.
Children do need to be allowed to express themselves; they are vibrant living creatures that are sponges of learning. But, they also shouldn't be allowed to run wild and unchecked in public areas if it means their entitlement to freedom will infringe on others' entitlement to tranquility. Parents: think of others for a change and not of only your desire to be be free of monitoring of your chosen charges. You opted for the responsibility of children; do not force that responsibility on the casual stranger.
Too often our cultural emphasis on freedom and individual rights gets taken to the extreme. Too many people have developed a selfish sense of entitlement that undermines our ability to function as a civil community. This includes most rush hour commuters, and some of you parents out there.
The rights of any one individual — whether he or she be a parent, child, or stranger — do not negate the rights of others. This means you.
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