LESSON 1 - University of Houston Law Center



Family law: IS IT MY RESPONSIBILITY?

( 90 MINUTES

What’s My Responsibility as a Parent? (20 minutes)

When Should Children Be Responsible? (60 minutes)

Summary (10 minutes)

OUTCOMES

AS A RESULT OF THIS SESSION, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Make age appropriate decisions for their children.

• Explain how laws support families.

• Justify a position and defend it.

• Use active listening.

• Locate and use community resources.

HANDOUTS

1. DECISIONS

2. Parenting Tools

3. Where to Go For More Information

4. Reflections

TRANSPARENCY

1. RULES FOR DECISIONS ACTIVITY

Reminder

IF YOU ARE A LAW STUDENT, TELL PARTICIPANTS UP FRONT THAT YOU ARE NOT A LAWYER AND CANNOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE. FOCUS ON TEACHING THE GENERAL LEGAL CONCEPTS, DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS, AND DIRECTING PARTICIPANTS TO COMMUNITY AND LEGAL RESOURCES IN THE EVENT THEY HAVE A SPECIFIC NEED.  KNOW YOUR STATE’S UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW RESTRICTIONS.

WEB RESOURCES

AGES AND STAGES: FOR INFORMATION ON AGES AND STAGES, REFER TO THE CHILD WELFARE LEAGUE OF AMERICA WEB PAGE AT: WWW.POSITIVEPARENTING/STAGES.HTM. THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY HELPFUL WEB SITES WITH THIS INFORMATION.

Food Labels/Nutrition: For information on food label laws, check out the Healthy Eating Club web page at: /books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/maintext/main7d.html. Many web sites provide information on helping your child develop healthy eating habits including the ChildCareAware site at: en/dailyparent/vol6/

Neglect Laws: The National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information has information on all the state abuse and neglect laws as well as mandated reporting at: .

Compulsory Education Laws: For an index of state compulsory school attendance laws, visit ipa/A0112617.html.

Staying Home Alone: According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page at: poptopics/homealone.html, states do not have laws or regulations concerning at what age a child can care for him or herself. The HHS site does provide examples of state guidelines to help parents make the decision. Additionally, for some factors to consider in deciding if your child is ready to stay home alone, visit the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies en/dailyparent/0399/.

Child Labor Laws: For information on child labor laws as well as general employment issues, visit the U.S. Department of Labor web site at: dol/topic/youthlabor/. Information on the Fair Labor Standards Act as it pertains to children is at: elaws/esa/flsa/docs/hours.asp.

Marriage Laws: For information on state laws on marriage, visit the Legal Information Institute site at: law.cornell.edu/topics/Table_Marriage.htm.

WHAT THE ICONS MEAN

WHAT’S MY RESPONSIBILITY AS A PARENT? (10 minutes)

1

Discuss the issue of parental responsibility in general. Ask participants the following questions and list responses on the flip chart, board, or transparency.

• What moral responsibilities do parents have to their children?

Explain and discuss “moral.” Participants may have different views on what constitutes morality.

• What legal responsibilities do parents have to their children?

According to the law, parents have certain duties or responsibilities to their children:

• To provide financial support for their children.

• To ensure that their children have adequate food, shelter, and clothing.

• To make sure that their children go to school and receive proper medical care.

TIP: Refer to the list participants generated on the moral responsibilities and place an “*” next to the responsibilities that are also legal.

• Are the legal and moral responsibilities different? What differences are there? How are they the same?

Many of the laws regarding parental responsibilities reflect the moral views of parents. For example, laws give parents great freedom in deciding how to raise their children according to their own values – for example, freedom of religion. Some laws could conflict with a parent’s moral values— for example, a minor’s ability to access birth control.

2

Examine the rights that parents have regarding their children.

Parents also have certain rights regarding how to take care of their children:

• To decide where their children will live, what school their children will attend, what their children will eat, and what clothes their children will wear.

• To control their children.

• To require their children to do housework or yard work.

As long as the parents provide adequate care for their children and do not abuse them, the law will support their parental rights.

3

Inform participants that we will be examining how parents can help their children grow-up to be responsible adults. Ask the participants to list characteristics of someone who is responsible.

4

Transition by informing participants that helping our children grow-up to become responsible adults begins at a young age, but at what age?

Discuss the characteristics of children in the various age brackets. It is helpful to ask if participants know a child in one of the age brackets and to talk about that child.

Sample Questions:

• Does anyone have a child between the ages of 0-2? ages 3-5?

• Does your child go to school? At what age did he or she begin?

• How do children this age act when they do something good? Something bad?

• Do you tell them what to do? Do they listen?

NOTE: The following is some background information on age characteristics. For more information, refer to the Web Resources section.

0-2-year-old children undergo major changes. The first few months of life consist of eating, sleeping, and learning motor skills like turning over and sitting up. Infants respond to the voices of their parents and cry to signal a problem. During the first two years of life, children become less dependent on their parents by learning to walk, to feed themselves, and to speak.

3-5-year-old children may be in preschool or in kindergarten. They are usually self-centered. They may cry if they don’t get their way. They ask lots of questions and always want to know “why”. They do a lot of pretending when they play. At the earlier ages, they play by themselves and as they get closer to school age, they learn to play with others.

6-11-year-olds will be in elementary school, usually in first through fifth grades. They become more reasonable and communicate more effectively the older they get. They know right from wrong. Many of them like to tell jokes. Television, school, friends, and parents all influence them to some degree.

12-14-year-olds may be in middle school or junior high. This age signals the beginning of adolescence. The children may undergo a growth spurt, and their hormones are active. They are usually self-conscious about their appearance. This age may be a time of turmoil. 12-14-year-olds may be having a difficult time with their parents, and they tend to bicker and argue with their parents about small issues (Examples: haircuts, dress, etc.). Friends and television are big influences in their lives.

15-17-year-olds may be in high school. Others begin to expect more from them. They may still be self-conscious about their appearance. Another growth spurt may occur. Teenagers can fall in love. Friends and girl/boyfriends are often the most important influence in their lives.

18-year-olds and older youth may have completed high school. They are considered to be adults in many cases (Examples: appearing in court, driving a car, voting, serving in the military). Until they become 21 years-old, they are not considered adults for certain activities such as drinking. Parents are generally not responsible for them anymore, unless they are still in school or have special needs.

5

Review posted session outcomes.

WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN BE RESPONSIBLE? (60 minutes)

1

Tell participants that all parents need to decide at what age a child is ready to do an activity such as make his or her bed or stay home alone. Ask participants how they get information on how to parent effectively. Sample answers include:

• Modeling another adult such as a parent, grandparent, relative, or friend.

• Attending community programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), parenting classes, or parenting support groups.

• Reading books on parenting.

• Talking with medical professionals.

• Babysitting or caring for other children.

• Watching television programs.

• Surfing the Web and joining a parenting list serve or discussion group.

Inform participants that one goal of this class is to build on the knowledge that they already have about how to be an effective parent by giving them “parenting tools” to solve legal issues affecting parents.

2

Distribute Handout 1, Decisions, and ask the participants to look at each of the questions and mark their opinion. Tell them they will “take a stand” in a few moments under the signs that best reflect their views, but they can change their minds at any time. The handout is only to stimulate thinking.

Handout 1

DECISIONS

Page 1 of 2

Read each sentence. Check the age at which your child should be able to make the following decisions. Discuss your answers with the class.

1. To decide what foods to eat.

___0-2 years-old (Infant) ___12-14 (Middle School)

___3-5 (Preschool) ___15-17 (High School)

___6-11 (Elementary School) ___18-years or older

2. To decide what TV shows, movies, and internet sites to view.

___0-2 years-old (Infant) ___12-14 (Middle School)

___3-5 (Preschool) ___15-17 (High School)

___6-11 (Elementary School) ___18-years or older

3. To go to school.

___0-2 years-old (Infant) ___12-14 (Middle School)

___3-5 (Preschool) ___15-17 (High School)

___6-11 (Elementary School) ___18-years or older

4. To stay at home alone.

___0-2 years-old (Infant) ___12-14 (Middle School)

___3-5 (Preschool) ___15-17 (High School)

___6-11 (Elementary School) ___18-years or older

Handout 1

DECISIONS

Page 2 of 2

5. To spend the child’s money as the child pleases.

___0-2 years-old (Infant) ___12-14 (Middle School)

___3-5 (Preschool) ___15-17 (High School)

___6-11 (Elementary School) ___18-years or older

6. To get a job.

___0-2 years-old (Infant) ___12-14 (Middle School)

___3-5 (Preschool) ___15-17 (High School)

___6-11 (Elementary School) ___18-years or older

7. To move out of the house.

___0-2 years-old (Infant) ___12-14 (Middle School)

___3-5 (Preschool) ___15-17 (High School)

___6-11 (Elementary School) ___18-years or older

8. To get married.

___0-2 years-old (Infant) ___12-14 (Middle School)

___3-5 (Preschool) ___15-17 (High School)

___6-11 (Elementary School) ___18-years or older

3

Cut out and distribute “parenting tools” from Handout 2, Parenting Tools. Each participant should select 1-2 tools depending on size of class. Each tool has a fact or law related to parenting. Participants can use their tools to help make decisions and develop rationales. Give participants a moment to review their handout to see if the information on their tool in any way affects their answers.

TIP: You may want to distribute several copies of the same tool to different participants. This will increase the likelihood that all the facts will be addressed.

4

Give participants the following instructions using Transparency 1, Rules for Decisions Activity. Ask if participants agree to the rules or wish to add any new ones. Leave the transparency displayed during the activity to refer back to if things get rowdy.

Transparency 1

Rules for Decisions Activity

• You will be asked to stand under a sign and explain your answer.

• There is no single right answer.

• You can move at any time, if you change your mind.

• Listen carefully to what others say.

• You may restate or improve your ideas but please do not argue.

• Add any additional rules you wish to include.

5

Read a statement to the class from Handout 1, Decisions. Instruct participants to stand under the “age” sign that corresponds to their answer. Spend about 10 minutes on selected examples.

TIP: Based on class time constraints, select the examples that are best suited to the needs of your class.

6

While participants stand beneath the signs, ask participants to explain their decisions, using the following questions to help clarify their positions.

Instructor should make sure that for each decision, participants identify:

• Community resources that can assist participants in making these decisions.

• Applicable “parenting tools”.

• Laws that impact the decision by helping parents act responsibly.

DECISIONS

1. To decide what food to eat.

• Why is deciding what food to eat important to your child’s development?

• Will you let them decide what to eat? What if it’s not healthy?

• How does deciding what food to eat help your child become responsible?

Does anyone have a tool that helps us?

Parenting Tools from Handout 2 for Decision 1:

• Neglect includes failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and education for a child. Any parent guilty of neglect shall be punished by a fine and/or imprisonment.

• A two year-old needs to eat 900 to 1200 calories a day, but a parent should not focus on how many calories a child could consume. Instead, a parent should focus on the number of servings in essential food groups.

• Usually, a child who does not eat properly does worse at school than a child with a healthy diet.

What does the law have to say about this?

No laws tell a parent exactly what food a child must eat since the law supports a parent’s right to decide what is in the best interest of the child. However, if a child’s diet is so bad that the child’s health is in danger then neglect and abuse laws would apply. Additionally, laws regulating food labels inform consumers about nutrition and help parents act responsibly.

What community resources can help with this parenting issue?

If you’d like more information on deciding what foods to eat, you should contact the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-532-4440. The FDA regulates the handling of food products to protect foods from contamination. Recently, the FDA passed food labeling regulations that assist the consumer in selecting nutritional foods. Locally, try contacting the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, dietetic associations, or nutritional groups to receive information on caring for children and food subsidies. Also see the Web Resources section at the beginning of this lesson.

What local resources provide information to parents on selecting nutritional foods for their children?

2. To decide what TV shows, movies, and Internet sites to view.

• Why is deciding what TV shows, movies, and Internet sites to view important to your child’s development?

• How will you know what they are watching?

• What will you do if you catch them watching something you don’t approve of?

• How many hours a week should they watch?

Does anyone have a tool that helps us?

Parenting Tools for Decision 2:

• The Motion Picture Association of America’s Voluntary Rating System:

G Movies: General Audience

PG Movies: Parental guidance suggested

PG-13 Movies: Parents strongly cautioned

R Movies: Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

NC-17 Movies: No one 17 and under admitted.

• The average teenager has seen thousands of violent deaths on TV.

• The Public Broadcast System (PBS) provides programming suitable for families, such as Sesame Street, Barney and Friends, and cartoons.

What does the law have to say about this?

Parents have discretion in deciding what TV shows and Web sites their children can view. However, the law helps parents by prohibiting child pornography and obscenity for viewers of all ages. The government prohibits “adult” programming from being shown at hours when children are likely to be watching TV. The Association of Motion Pictures has a ratings system for movies. In the Fall of 1997, a ratings guide was created for television programs. Recent legislation encourages networks to have at least three hours per day of family programming.

What community resources are available to help with this parenting issue?

Congress regularly addresses the topic of violence in movies and on TV. You may want to contact your Congressperson to find out the status of any legislation affecting this issue. If you’d like more information on selecting appropriate movies for your children, you can call the Motion Picture Association of America at (202) 995-6600. For a listing of quality children’s programs, you can call your local Children’s Television Network (PBS) or cable company. Also see the Web Resources section at the beginning of this lesson.

What local resources help parents decide what movies, television shows, and internet sites their children may view?

3. To go to school.

• Why is school important for children?

• What will you do if your child does not want to go to school?

• How can you support your child’s learning?

Does anyone have a tool that helps us?

Parenting Tools for Decision 3:

• Compulsory education laws require children, ages 5 to 16, to be in school full-time. This varies slightly from state to state.

Texas law requires children to attend school each day that instruction is provided. The law applies to children ages 6–19. If you voluntarily enroll your child in prekindergarten or kindergarten before age 6, school attendance laws apply to your child, too. A person who voluntarily enrolls in or attends school after turning 19 is also required to attend for the entire period of the program of instruction.

The following are a few exceptions:

• Children who are enrolled in a private or parochial school

• Children who are home-schooled

• Students who are 17 years old and enrolled in a GED (high school equivalency) program

• Students who are 17 years old and have received a high school diploma or GED certificate

• In some states, participants who have 40 or more unexcused absences in a class within a full school year will receive a failing grade.

• “Head Start” empowers families with children ages 3 or 4. Head Start programs offer services such as parenting classes, family services, GED programs, medical assistance, and speech therapy.

What community resources are available to help with this parenting issue?

Most states require children 5-16 to attend school full-time. However, even before school officially begins, parents can provide learning opportunities for their children. Contact your local Head Start Program for quality learning opportunities for children (ages 2 -5) and their parents. In addition, many local churches, day care centers, and libraries offer learning opportunities for young children. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher. Also see the Web Resources section at the beginning of this lesson.

What local resources provide learning opportunities to children before they reach school age?

What is the compulsory school attendance law in your state?

4. To stay home alone.

• When would you want a child to stay home alone?

• What are some of the dangers present in a home?

• What if the child is sleeping? Does this make a difference?

Does anyone have a tool that helps us?

Parenting Tools for Decision 4:

• Neglect includes failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and education for a child. Any parent guilty of neglect shall be punished by a fine and/or imprisonment.

What does the law have to say about this?

To stay home alone: A parent who leaves a child home alone could be found guilty of neglect if leaving the child at home puts that child at risk. For example, leaving a two year old home alone (even if the child were asleep) would be considered neglect in most cases since this is a failure to provide adequate supervision. According to the HHS web page at: poptopics/homealone.html, states do not have a law specifying at what age a child can be left home alone since that depends on many factors such as the child’s maturity and the length of time or time of day the parent is gone. Most courts would look to see if given the totality of the circumstances, the parent acted in a reasonable manner that was in the best interests of the child.

What community resources are available to help with this parenting issue?

Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children receive adequate supervision. For information on your state law (if there is one) or guidelines for parents to follow when deciding at what age a child can be left alone, contact the state agency that oversees services for families and children. Contact your local YMCA or community center for organized after school activities or work with other parents to arrange a community playgroup in your neighborhood. If your child is legally able to stay home alone, “Phone Friends” and latchkey hotlines may be available to deal with your child’s fears. Also see the Web Resources section at the beginning of this lesson. Refer to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ website listed above for help with this question.

What are the local after school programs for children?

What guidelines or recommendations does your state offer with regard to at what age it is appropriate for a child to stay home alone?

5. To spend the child’s money as the child pleases.

• Why would you want a child to spend his/her money?

• Suppose they buy cigarettes with the money?

• How will you supervise what they buy?

• Can a child use a parent’s money?

• When might a child get money?

Does anyone have a tool that helps us?

Parenting Tools for Decision 5:

• If you are a parent under the age of 18 who is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, an adult must be named to receive your monthly payment. There are some exceptions to this law.

• A store cannot sell tobacco products to people under the age of 18.

What does the law have to say about this?

Parents have the right to control their child until the child turns 18. This includes financial control. They can require a child to do chores without paying the child. If parents provide adequate care for their children and do not abuse them, the law will support their parental rights including control over a child’s money.

What community resources are available to help with this parenting issue?

If you’d like more information on how to manage your money, contact your local consumer credit counseling service or check your community center for classes on managing money. Nationally, you may contact Consumer Credit Counseling at 1-800-747-4222. Also see Web Resources section at the beginning of this lesson.

What local resources provide information on personal money management?

6. To get a job.

• Why would you want your child to work?

• Will you ask them to pay the bills?

• Should parents approve of the type of job or how many hours their children work?

• What if your child is a teen parent?

Does anyone have a tool that helps us?

Parenting Tools for Decision 6:

• Laws regulate how many hours and at what times a high school student can work.

• An employer cannot fire an employee because she is pregnant.

What does the law have to say about this?

Historically, many children were abused by employers who forced them to work long hours in unsafe conditions. To protect children, child labor laws now exist to regulate the number of hours a child can work, work place conditions, and pay. In addition, individuals under the age of 21 cannot work at certain jobs; e.g., bartending.

What community resources are available to help with this parenting issue?

In order to find a job, you should employ a variety of methods. Job training and placement centers help to develop and improve your job skills. Want ads in your local newspaper list available jobs that you may be qualified for. Family members, friends, and teachers can be excellent resources for helping you find a job. Volunteering for an interesting organization may also give you an opportunity to learn more about the type of job that you would like. You may contact the National Job Corps Information Service for employment opportunities in your city or state.

What local resources can help teenagers find jobs? Do child labor laws restrict the jobs teenagers may have?

What are the child labor laws in you state?

General Exemptions

This chapter does not apply to employment of a child:

1. employed:

a. in a non-hazardous occupation;

b. under the direct supervision of the child's parent or an adult having custody of the child; and

c. in a business or enterprise owned or operated by the parent or custodian.

2. 11 years or older engaged in delivery of newspapers to the consumer;

3. participating in a school-supervised and school-administered work-study program approved by the Commission;

4. employed in agriculture during a period when the child is not legally required to be attending school;

5. employed through a rehabilitation program supervised by a county judge;

6. engaged in non-hazardous casual employment that will not endanger the safety, health, or well-being of the child and to which the parent or adult having custody of the child has consented; or 7. 16 years or older engaged in the direct sale of newspapers to the general public.

"employment in agriculture" means engaged in producing crops or livestock and includes:

1. cultivating and tilling the soil;

2. producing, cultivating, growing, and harvesting an agricultural or horticultural commodity;

3. dairying; and

4. raising livestock, bees, fur-bearing animals, or poultry.

For the purposes of general exemption No. 6, the Commission by rule may define non-hazardous casual employment that the Commission determines is dangerous to the safety, health, or well-being of a child..

Hours of Employment under State and Federal Law

Texas State Law:

A child 14 or 15 years of age may not work more than eight hours in one day or more than 48 hours in one week. A child who is 14 or 15 years of age and is enrolled in a term of a public or private school may not work between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on a day that is followed by a school day or between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. on a day that is not followed by a school day. A child who is 14 or 15 years of age and is not enrolled in summer school may not work between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. on any day that school is recessed for the summer.

Federal Law:

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) a child 14 or 15 years of age may not work during school hours, may not work more than three hours on a school day or 18 hours during a school week, and may not work more than eight hours on a non-school day or 40 hours during a non-school week. Furthermore, a child 14 or 15 years of age may work only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year. Between June 1 and Labor Day, a child may work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. A child 16 or 17 years of age have no restrictions on the number of hours or times of day they may work.

Hardship Exemption

If, on the application of a child, the Commission determines that a hardship exists for that child, the hours restrictions do not apply to that child..

7. To move out of the house.

• Why would you want your child to move out?

• What skills would she or he need?

• Will you help pay their rent?

• What age is too young even if they have the money?

• What if they wanted to move out to get married?

Does anyone have a tool that helps us?

Parenting Tools for Decision 7:

• Generally, a parent under the age of 18 must live with a parent or legal guardian to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

• Emancipation means that children are set free from the legal custody and control of their parents. This normally occurs when a child reaches adulthood, age 18 in most states. In some states, it also occurs when a child marries, joins the armed forces, or becomes self-supporting.

What does the law have to say about this?

An unemancipated minor (in most states someone under the age of 18) cannot legally move out of his or her house. Parents have the right to control their children. However, that right can be taken away if the parent is abusing or neglecting a child. At age 18, the law recognizes children as adults for most purposes. 18-year-olds can rent an apartment. At age 18, children are no longer the responsibility of their parents unless there are some special needs.

|Age of Majority |18 (Civ. Prac. & Rem. §129.001) |

|Eligibility for Emancipation |If resident and 17 or 16 if living apart from guardian or parents and is self supporting or by marriage (Fam. §31.001 et seq.) he |

| |may file suit to “remove the disabilities of minority.” The court may order the child emancipated if emancipationis in the child's |

| |best interest. |

|Contracts by Minors |Must disaffirm within reasonable time after reaching age of majority (common law) |

|Minors' Ability to Sue |Guardian, next friend, guardian ad litem (Tex. R. Civ. P. 44) |

|Minors' Consent to Medical |Minors may consent to any treatment if in military or 16 years old and living apart from parents. Any minors may consent to |

|Treatment |treatment for pregnancy, substance abuse, or infectious diseases (Fam. §32.003). |

Best Interests Factors

The factors or criteria used to determine if emancipation is in the minor's best interests vary among the states. However, some criteria are commonly found:

• Whether the minor is able to support himself or herself financially, either currently or in the future

• Whether the minor is currently living apart from his or her parents or has made adequate arrangements for future housing

• Whether the minor can adequately make decisions for himself or herself

• Whether the minor is attending school or has already received a diploma

• Whether the minor exhibits sufficient maturity to function as an adult

What community resources are available to help with this issue?

Until the age of 18, you generally can’t live by yourself because minors are unable to make a legally binding contract, like a lease. However, there is a legal process of emancipation by which you may separate from your parents. For more information on this process, you may contact your local courthouse or bar association.

Must a teen parent under the age of 18 live with their parent or guardian in order to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families? Are there any local resources which help parents under the age of 18 live by themselves?

8. To get married.

• Why would you want your child to marry?

• What factors would you look at to help make a decision?

Does anyone have a tool that helps us?

Parenting Tools for Decision 8:

• Usually, a person under age 16 can’t marry without a parent’s consent.

• 1 out of every 2 marriages ends in divorce in general.

• One or more nurturing adults in a child’s life provide a healthy environment for growing-up.

What does the law have to say about this?

All states have laws affecting when a couple can marry. In most states, a person under 18 years old must have parental permission to marry, although exceptions are made if the couple has a child.

What community resources are available to help with this parenting issue?

If you are interested in finding out the procedures for getting married, contact the Family Division of your local court. Additionally, the local bar association often provides information on how to get married.

At what age can an individual marry in your state?

7

Return participants to their seats. Ask them how the law helps parents raise their children responsibly. Sample answers include:

Laws like abuse and neglect help parents act responsibly in caring for their children. By being good role models, parents help children act responsibly in their lives.

Many laws help parents act responsibly like food label, child support, and criminal laws.

SUMMARY (10 MINUTES)

1

Ask participants whether it is important to teach their children how to become responsible. Ask participants to define the term “responsibility.”

2

Ask participants:

• What did you learn today?

• How will you decide when your child is old enough to make certain decisions for himself or herself?

• What is something you learned from another participant?

• How do laws help parents raise children? Give a rationale for your statement and one example.

• What community resource did you learn about today that you think will be helpful to you and your child?

3

Distribute Handout 3, Where to Go For More Information.

Handout 3

WHERE TO GO FOR MORE INFORMATION

Deciding What Foods to Eat: If you’d like more information on deciding what foods to eat, you should contact the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-532-4440. The FDA regulates the handling of food products to protect foods from contamination. Recently, the FDA passed food labeling regulations that assist the consumer in selecting nutritional foods. Locally, try contacting the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, dietetic associations, or nutritional groups to receive information on caring for children and food subsidies.

Deciding What TV and Movies to Watch: Congress regularly addresses the topic of violence in movies and on TV. You may want to contact your Congressperson to find out the status of any legislation affecting this issue. If you’d like more information on selecting appropriate

movies for your children, you can call the Motion Picture Association of America at (202) 995-6600. For a listing of quality children’s programs, you can call your local Children’s Television Network (PBS) or cable company.

Deciding Schooling Issues: Most states require children 5-17 to attend school full-time. However, even before school officially begins, parents can provide learning opportunities for their children.

Contact your local Head Start Program for quality learning opportunities for children (ages 2 -5) and their parents. In addition, many local churches, day care centers, and libraries offer learning opportunities for young children. Remember you are your child’s first teacher.

Staying Home Alone: Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children receive adequate supervision. Contact your local YMCA or community center for organized after school activities or work with other parents to arrange a community playgroup in your neighborhood. If your child is legally able to stay home alone, “Phone Friends” and latchkey hotlines may be available to alleviate your child’s fears.

Managing Money: If you’d like more information on how to control your spending, contact your local consumer credit counseling service or check your community center for classes on managing money. Nationally, you may contact Consumer Credit Counseling at 1-800-747-4222.

Finding a Job: In order to find a job, you must employ a variety of methods. Job training and placement centers help to develop and improve your job skills. Want ads in your local newspaper list available jobs that you may be qualified for. Volunteering for an interesting organization may also give you an opportunity to learn more about the type of job that you would like. You may contact the National Job Corps Information Service for employment opportunities in your city or state.

Moving Out of the House: Until the age of 18, you generally can’t live by yourself because minors are unable to make a legally binding contract. However, there is a legal process of emancipation by which you may separate from your parents. For more information on this process, you may contact your local courthouse or bar association.

Getting Married: If you are interested in finding out the procedures for getting married, contact the Family Division of your local court. Additionally, the local bar association often provides information on how to get married.

4

Pass out Handout 4, Reflections. Encourage participants to complete.

Handout 4: Reflections

Is It My Responsibility?: Parent versus Child

Name: _________________________ Date:________________

What decisions will you let your child make when he or she turns two years old?

Why?

Describe two laws that help you be an effective parent?

1.

2.

Give an example of a law that would prevent a parent from doing something to a child.

Name two community resources that help you with effective parenting:

1.

2.

This activity was adapted from the following Street Law, Inc. materials:

• Street Law for Parents and the Law, Lesson 2- Is It My Responsibility?: Parent v. Child. © Street Law, Inc., 2004.

Transparency 1

Rules For

Decisions Activity

• You will be asked to stand under a sign and explain your answer.

• There is no single right answer.

• You can move at any time, if you change your mind.

• Listen carefully to what others say.

• You may restate or improve your ideas but please do not argue.

• Add any additional rules you wish to include.

Handout 1

Decisions

(page 1 of 2)

Read each sentence. Check the age at which your child should be able to make the following decisions. Discuss your answers with the class.

1. To decide what foods to eat.

0-2 years-old (Infant) 12-14 (Middle School)

3-5 (Preschool) 15-17 (High School)

6-11 (Elementary School) 18 years or older

2. To decide what TV shows, movies, and internet sites to view.

0-2 years-old (Infant) 12-14 (Middle School)

3-5 (Preschool) 15-17 (High School)

6-11 (Elementary School) 18 years or older

3. To go to school.

0-2 years-old (Infant) 12-14 (Middle School)

3-5 (Preschool) 15-17 (High School)

6-11 (Elementary School) 18 years or older

4. To stay at home alone.

0-2 years-old (Infant) 12-14 (Middle School)

3-5 (Preschool) 15-17 (High School)

6-11 (Elementary School) 18 years or older

Handout 1

Decisions

(page 2 of 2)

5. To spend the child’s money as the child pleases.

0-2 years-old (Infant) 12-14 (Middle School)

3-5 (Preschool) 15-17 (High School)

6-11 (Elementary School) 18 years or older

6. To get a job.

0-2 years-old (Infant) 12-14 (Middle School)

3-5 (Preschool) 15-17 (High School)

6-11 (Elementary School) 18 years or older

7. To move out of the house.

0-2 years-old (Infant) 12-14 (Middle School)

3-5 (Preschool) 15-17 (High School)

6-11 (Elementary School) 18 years or older

8. To get married.

0-2 years-old (Infant) 12-14 (Middle School)

3-5 (Preschool) 15-17 (High School)

6-11 (Elementary School) 18 years or older

Handout 2

Parenting Tools:

(page 1 of 3)

Parenting Tools

(page 2 of 3)

Parenting Tools

(page 3 of 3)

Handout 3

Where To Go

For More Information

(page 1 of 2)

Deciding What Foods to Eat: If you’d like more information on deciding what foods to eat, you should contact the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-532-4440. The FDA regulates the handling of food products to protect foods from contamination. Recently, the FDA passed food labeling regulations that assist the consumer in selecting nutritional foods. Locally, try contacting the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, dietetic associations, or nutritional groups to receive information on caring for children and food subsidies.

Deciding What TV and Movies to Watch: Congress regularly addresses the topic of violence in movies and on TV. You may want to contact your Congressperson to find out the status of any legislation affecting this issue. If you’d like more information on selecting appropriate movies for your children, you can call the Motion Picture Association of America at (202) 995-6600. For a listing of quality children’s programs, you can call your local Children’s Television Network (PBS) or cable company.

Deciding Schooling Issues: Most states require children 5-17 to attend school full-time. However, even before school officially begins, parents can provide learning opportunities for their children.

Contact your local Head Start Program for quality learning opportunities for children (ages 2 -5) and their parents. In addition, many local churches, day care centers, and libraries offer learning opportunities for young children. Remember you are your child’s first teacher.

Staying Home Alone: Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children receive adequate supervision. Contact your local YMCA or community center for organized after school activities or work with other parents to arrange a community playgroup in your neighborhood. If your child is legally able to stay home alone, “Phone Friends” and latchkey hotlines may be available to alleviate your child’s fears.

Handout 3

Where To Go

For More Information

(page 2 of 2)

Managing Money: If you’d like more information on how to control your spending, contact your local consumer credit counseling service or check your community center for classes on managing money. Nationally, you may contact Consumer Credit Counseling at 1-800-747-4222.

Finding a Job: In order to find a job, you must employ a variety of methods. Job training and placement centers help to develop and improve your job skills. Want ads in your local newspaper list available jobs that you may be qualified for. Volunteering for an interesting organization may also give you an opportunity to learn more about the type of job that you would like. You may contact the National Job Corps Information Service for employment opportunities in your city or state.

Moving Out of the House: Until the age of 18, you generally can’t live by yourself because minors are unable to make a legally binding contract. However, there is a legal process of emancipation by which you may separate from your parents. For more information on this process, you may contact your local courthouse or bar association.

Getting Married: If you are interested in finding out the procedures for getting married, contact the Family Division of your local court. Additionally, the local bar association often provides information on how to get married.

Handout 4

Reflections

Is It My Responsibility?:

Parent Versus Child

Name: ________________________ Date:________

What decisions will you let your child make when he or she turns two years old?

Why?

Describe two laws that help you be an effective parent?

1.

2.

Give an example of a law that would prevent a parent from doing something to a child.

Name two community resources that help you with effective parenting:

1.

2.

[pic]

-----------------------

PREPARING

TO TEACH

[pic] Copy Handouts.

[pic] Post the session outcomes.

[pic] Cut-out “parenting tools” located at the end of the lesson. You may wish to keep the tools in a diaper bag and distribute them to participants using the bag as a prop.

[pic] Create and post the six “Age” Signs (0-2 years-old; 3-5 years-old; 6-11 years-old; 12-14 years-old; 15-17 years-old; 18 years-old and older) in chronological order on a wall.

[pic] Adapt the laws as indicated in the body of the lesson.

[pic] Add any local community resource information to Handout 3, Where to Go For More Information.

REVIEW TEACHING STRATEGIES

• Small groups

• Continuum

•

Adapt law, procedure, and/or community resources for your area.

Have the RESOURCE PEOPLE help you with this part of the lesson.

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

The Public Broadcast System (PBS) provides programming suitable for families such as Sesame Street, Barney and Friends, and cartoons.

[pic]

A two year-old needs to eat 900 to 1200 calories a day, but a parent should not focus on how many calories a child should consume. Instead, a parent should focus on the number of servings in essential food groups.

One or more nurturing adults in a child’s life provide a healthy environment for growing up.

Neglect includes failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and education for a child. Any parent guilty of neglect shall be punished by a fine and/or imprisonment.

IN SOME STATES, STUDENTS WHO HAVE 40 OR MORE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES IN A CLASS WITHIN A FULL SCHOOL YEAR WILL RECEIVE A FAILING GRADE.

[pic]

[pic][pic]

1 out of every 2 marriages ends in divorce.

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

Compulsory education

laws require children

between ages

5 and 16 to

be in school full-time.

This varies

slightly from

state to state.

Generally, a parent

under the age of 18

must live with a parent or

legal guardian in order

to receive Temporary Assistance

for Needy Families.

{verify}

Laws regulate how many

hours and at what times a high school student

can work.

A store cannot

sell tobacco products to people under the age of 18.

[pic]

[pic]

Emancipation means

that children are set

free from the legal

custody and control of

their parents.

This normally occurs

when a child reaches adulthood, age 18 in

most states. It also

occurs when a child

gets married, joins the armed forces, or becomes self-supporting.

Usually a person

under age 16 cannot marry without the consent of

a parent.

[pic]

[pic]

[pic]

The Motion Picture Association of America’s Voluntary Rating System:

G movies: General Audience

PG movies: Parental guidance suggested

PG-13 movies: Parents strongly cautioned

R movies: Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult.

NC-17 movies: No one under 17 admitted.

The average teenager has seen thousands of violent deaths on TV.

[pic]

An employer cannot fire an employee because she is pregnant.

[pic]

Headstart empowers families with children, ages 3 or 4. Headstart programs offer services such as parenting classes, family services, GED programs, medical assistance, and speech therapy.

If you are a parent under the age of 18 who is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, an adult must be named to receive your monthly payment. There are some exceptions to this law.

[pic]

[pic]

-----------------------

[pic]

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download