The parental paradox

Parenthood is in turmoil: On the one hand many of the parental tasks have been taken over by social institutions and on the other psychological aspects of the parent-child relation are emphasized. We see three important developments: The relationship between parents and children has been democratized, the psychological and juridical position has been acknowledged and the social check on parental behaviour has changed dramatically. In this dynamic field, children's rights have risen as a new way of solving family problems. Rights for children create new possibilities for recognizing the growing independence of children. But these may reinforce individualistic developments and a laissez-faire attitude towards children. If personal interests are the primary goals of relations, children as vulnerable subjects will be more at risk.