appropriate arguments against this kind of paternalistic thinking

[colonel]

I would like people's imput as to what rational arguments you could give against the two following ideas about child/youth psychology (for the purpose of defending the idea that parents should not force their children to obey their rules). These are two common statements one hears in relation to this subject:

1. "Of course teens should have to obey parental limits. They lack the mental capacity to think rationally at their age. In fact, they won't have it until they are in their 20s. Perhaps we should hike the age of majority back to 21".

2. "Whatever they say, kids really want rules. They are craving them. Parents enforcing limits makes kids feel secure."

How would you argue against these premises?

Colonel John Doe
Commanding Officer, the Cameron Highlanders Militia for Freedom and Democracy

[BattlePenisofOdin]

I think, "have you ever had children?" would be the most appropriate argument in response.

[SciVille]

That line gets thrown around so much in all sides of any parents rights argument. It's getting to be like the Bible: it can be used to prove just about anything.

[Tempus Fugit]

Well, teens should have to obey certain, reasonable rules of parents, but that's not because I think teens "lack mental capacity." It's mainly for the parent's protection, since any major dumbass thing the teen does can get the parent in trouble.

[Anduwaithe]

1. "Of course teens should have to obey parental limits. They lack the mental capacity to think rationally at their age. In fact, they won't have it until they are in their 20s. Perhaps we should hike the age of majority back to 21".

Hmmm. I would probably ask a) what proof the person saying this has to back up their claim that teenagers lack the mental capacity to think rationally but will gain said ability in their twenties; b) what they personally consider rational thinking to entail; and c) why the person feels that rational thinking is a necessary prerequisite for granting someone the full rights and duties of citizenship.

2. "Whatever they say, kids really want rules. They are craving them. Parents enforcing limits makes kids feel secure."

Again, I would ask the person saying this to tell me how and why they have come to these conclusions. But then, I put a premium on understanding other people's opinions.

[MiNi]

1. Ignorance

2. Foolishness

Problem answered.