Family Life

[scout_momx2]

Boys become men who father children. I strongly suggest that Family Life be amended to include a requirement about childcare such as changing diapers (on a doll, if necessary), child development, and so on. If fathers are to become good caregivers, they must know the basics and have some practice.

[FrankJ]

While I agree with the principle the responsible parent includes changing diapers, earning a living, ect. I don't see requiring it in a merit bage, besides, changing diapers on a doll is nothing like a skirming baby.

[evmori]

Boys become men who father children. I strongly suggest that Family Life be amended to include a requirement about childcare such as changing diapers (on a doll, if necessary), child development, and so on. If fathers are to become good caregivers, they must know the basics and have some practice.

Family Life has nothing to do with anything you state. I suggest you pick up a merit badge pamphlet & read what the merit badge is all about.

[aflmom]

Requirement # 7 (1/1/05) states to discuss with your counselor:
A. Your understanding of what makes an effective father and why, and your thoughts on the father's role in the family.
B. Your understanding of the responsibilities of a parent.

I also agree that there should be some requirement related to childcare. Although changing diapers probably wouldn't be allowed due to liability issues, perhaps the scout could volunteer some supervised time in a church nursery or daycare or some other facility. It's also possible that someone in the troop might have young children and the scouts could take turns putting in some hours as a mother's helper. In addition, they could do a report on growth and development. I think something like that related to parenting would be much more beneficial than writing down chores for a month!

We do foster care and our son has been exposed to a LOT of toddlers and infants. It's been a wonderful experience for him. When I go to the meetings, it's interesting seeing which scouts want to hold and play with our latest baby. I gladly let them, so they can at least get in a 'little' practice.

[ICanCanoeCanU]

Requirement # 7 (1/1/05) states to discuss with your counselor:
A. Your understanding of what makes an effective father and why, and your thoughts on the father's role in the family.
B. Your understanding of the responsibilities of a parent.

Whats wrong with this requirement exactly as it states? To discuss, which makes the scout start thinking about parenting from the other side. I don't think changing a diaper or even being exposed to young children can come close to the long term roles of being a father. I believe this requirement was meant to have a scout think about being the parent as opposed to being the child in a family. To maybe bring a little awareness to the overall roles of a family. Bringing together the other requirements which have the scout focus on their own importance in the family.

I also agree that there should be some requirement related to childcare. Although changing diapers probably wouldn't be allowed due to liability issues, perhaps the scout could volunteer some supervised time in a church nursery or daycare or some other facility. It's also possible that someone in the troop might have young children and the scouts could take turns putting in some hours as a mother's helper. In addition, they could do a report on growth and development. I think something like that related to parenting would be much more beneficial than writing down chores for a month!

I don't think this badge is meant to prepare a scout for the future as much as make them more aware of thier situation now in life. Where ever or whom ever they live with now, they must be working or learning to work as a team within the household. I think this IS more the point of this badge.

To have boys start working with daipers and young children you are assuming that all scouts are going to have children, (which they won't). But... all scouts at some point will need to be able to manage household chores of some kind. And they should be doing some now or at least aware of the work involved in running a house. The point of a list is to actually see how much or how little someone is actually doing in a month.

I will say, this is another one of those requirements that should start up the debate about age and maturity again. lol. I am also most certain that if polled, the average 11 year old would have a different take than the average 17 year old on what the roles of a father are or should be.