Question

4. With regard to children, list two specific things that you think government can do better than parents and two things than parents do better than government. Explain your list.

Answer 1

The responsibilities of parents and the government are very different. So we cannot really compare who does something better. But, there may be a few things that can be done by parents with the aid of the government and a few other things that the government can do with the help of parents.

Here are two things that the government can and should do for children:

• Providing education

Poverty-stricken families find it difficult to provide education for their children. Most children in families of lower economic status do not go to school or end their schooling midway as their parents are unable to afford the fees and other expenses. The government needs to step in here and ensure that free and quality education is provided to children at least up to the age of 14 years. The importance of children’s education needs to be emphasized by the government through awareness programs. Now, this is something only the government can do.

• Protecting children from the evils of society

It is the duty of the government to protect children from different types of abuse and violence prevailing in the society. Provisions need to be made against child labor, child marriage, and child abuse. Stringent laws need to be framed punishing those engaging in these practices. Child abuse can be prevented by parents, but child marriage and child labor are more often the choices of the parents. So, protecting children from these practices is something only the government can do.

Here are two things that only parents can do for their children:

• Good parenting

Parenting involves not simply raising children but raising them to be good humans. The style of parenting has a huge influence on a child’s future. Children grow up observing and imbibing the qualities of their parents. So, it is the moral duty of parents to ensure that their children grow up to become responsible adults with good values. This is one important thing that can be done only by parents.

• Providing quality care and support

Providing care does not simply mean providing the basic food and water necessary for a human. It involves providing emotional support for children and ensuring that their transition into adulthood is pleasant and smooth. Parents need to spend enough time with their children to understand their children’s thoughts and offer assistance whenever needed. This is one area where the government cannot really contribute to a child’s development.