Politics of Parenting

Common Topics on the Politics of Parenting

There are many sub-topics when it comes to the politics of parenting. Like much of our lives, parenting often overlaps between the public and private spheres. Many people want to assure the rights of both parents and children, but there is much debate over what is considered appropriate parenting and what crosses the line. The following are some common topics of debate:

Attachment Parenting

Attachment parenting is a methodology of parenting that is very hands on and strives to assure the mental and emotional health of a child by instilling feelings of intense security. Since the parent virtually never leaves the child and this involves frequent contact, holding, and hugging, some believe that this parenting style helps children create a strong connection with parents that can be very beneficial. Others argue that this parenting style is too extreme and children will fail to learn a healthy independence. Bed sharing or "the family bed" is a related parenting debate; some advocates of attachment parenting allow their children to sleep in the same bed, and opponents of this proactive argue there are significant disadvantages and dangers associated with this practice.

Breastfeeding

Although breastfeeding is consistently advocated as the healthiest form of nutrition for infants, there has long been a controversy involving this form of infant sustenance. Common controversies include the subject of public breastfeeding, breastfeeding toddlers and older children, and breastfeeding both toddlers and infants simultaneously.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment such as spanking or slapping is a practice that currently gets little support from health professionals and educators. Opponents of this type of discipline contend that it doesn't foster healthy growth, but that it may, in fact, foster violence, rebellion, and resentment in a child rather than function as the intended disciplinary action desired to modify behavior. Proponents argue that a carefully administered spanking or other corporeal punishment makes important wrongdoings explicit to the child.

Gay Parenting

Gays and parents who adopt or have children are often the subject of debate, and those who choose this lifestyle as parents often face some adversity. Although many areas are becoming more tolerant and activists are working to ensure gay parents rights, this is still a topic of debate for some groups and individuals.

Working Parents

While women are more and more encouraged to have career ambitions identical to their male counterparts, there is still a subject of debate when it comes to child-rearing and child care for working parents. Both working and stay-at-home parents face distinct challenges, although this line continues to blur as more parents telecommute or start their own businesses.

Child Safety

Violent toys are another topic of debate.

What's considered "safe" by one parent is not by another. Toys, television shows, video and computer games, and much more are often debated in terms of how it may influence or affect child. Topic like kids and guns and the level of violence in video game debates are under controversy.

Intervention

Intervention and social services have long been a part of American culture. While some individuals insist that parents should have a complete lack of interference from the government, many agree that protective measures such as social services are necessary to protect children. While abuse and neglect of children is obvious in many parenting situations, some situations may be less clear-cut and leave a sizeable debate on what exactly constitutes parental rights.

Resources

There are a vast number of resources on politics and parenting today, from books and magazine articles to forums and blogs to radio and television programs. A popular resource is William B. Irvine's book dedicated to the subject, The Politics of Parenting (Paragon 2003). The book takes an in-depth look at issues such as governmental regulation of parenting.

Other resources include:

• The Imperfect Parent: A parenting site with a politics section that discusses various media topics in relationship to parenting.

• The Antiracist Parent: Various articles related to preventing and addressing racism, particularly in regard to parenting.

• Podcasting News: Get podcasts related to parenting and politics as well as parenting tips.

• Barnes and Noble: Browse their list of books dedicated to family, parenting, and politics.