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Tuesday, December 12, 2006 12:00 AM

Choice momism?

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  • Tuesday, December 12, 2006 11:50 AM

    False dichotomy

    "Being a good parent is more important than being a married one."

    Why are the only possible choices presented single, go-it-alone parenthood or marriage? What does matrimony have to do with child rearing? Nothing.

    The true choice described is between raising a child by yourself or doing it in partnership with another person--spouse or partner, other sex or same.

    But given that a good parent is one that tries to raise their child as best they can do, why would anyone intentionally choose to deprive the kid from the advice and role modelling of another adult? In other words, what sane adult willingly enters parenthood thinking they know best and are capable of raising children without a helping hand, or a partner to help out? I understand that millions of parents are forced to do that every day--the operative word here being "forced". We've all been forced to cope with the circumstances we've been dealt. But why intentionally choose something that is not, any way you slice it, in the best interests of the child, simply because you can't or won't deal with another adult relationship? And what kind of message are you sending to your child--that s/he's an island, doesn't need anyone's influence or love in the word to make it?

    This go-it-alone attitude strikes me as Rumsfeldian, both in its design and its likelihood of success.

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