Why parenting can’t be outsourced to a pill tester

Sydney Morning Herald 3 January 2019
Family First Comment: Excellent commentary – and totally relevant to NZ setting…
“As parents, we spend so much of our time trying to invest our values into our children and then what happens? A politician comes along, seeking to curry favour with Greens’ supporters and effectively says “it’s OK to take drugs if they have been tested.” Is that really the message you want to give your child or grandchild ? That there are no dramatic consequences from taking illicit substances, because a government will take responsibility for your decisions from this point.”

It starts with that first tantrum (theirs not ours) and progresses to life lessons like crossing the road safely, being kind to others, respecting elders and developing a strong work ethic.

But none is more important than our words and actions around drugs and alcohol, and the consequences that follow from the decisions our children will one day have the freedom to make.

That’s why I couldn’t believe my ears last week when I heard the new opposition leader Michael Daley stating that NSW Labor would consider allowing the testing of drugs at music festivals.

As parents, we spend so much of our time trying to invest our values into our children and then what happens?

A politician like Mr Daley comes along, seeking to curry favour with inner-Sydney Greens’ supporters and effectively says “it’s OK to take drugs if they have been tested.” Is that really the message you want to give your child or grandchild ?

That there are no dramatic consequences from taking illicit substances, because a Labor government will take responsibility for your decisions from this point.
READ MORE: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/why-parenting-can-t-be-outsourced-to-a-pill-tester-20190103-p50pck.html

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