Only parents can determine what’s ‘in the child’s best interest’

Stating that one’s actions or efforts are for the betterment of our children gives the appearance of an altruistic act. Unfortunately, in today’s world, “in the child’s best interest” has been wrongly used to justify policies and programs that actually intrude upon parental responsibility and undermine parental authority.

Historically, a child’s parents have had final authority to determine what is in the “best interest of a child.” The heritage of family is rooted in the Word of God, and a quick survey of “parents” and “children” in Scripture makes clear that the authority of the family is God’s design for a society’s well-being. The biblical principle of parental responsibility extends well beyond simply providing children with food and shelter—it includes the complete development of a child’s character and identity. Parents should serve as the primary vehicle through which a child’s beliefs and behaviors are shaped, because parents are naturally inclined to seek the best for their children.

In law, the U.S. Supreme Court has also repeatedly affirmed parents’ natural rights of responsibility and authority over their own children. In 1923, the court in Meyers v. Nebraska determined that “liberty,” as protected under the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution, includes the right of parents to “establish a home…bring up children…and determine the direction of their (children’s) education.” In Prince v. Massachusetts (1944), the court declared, “it is cardinal with us that the custody, care and nurture of the child first reside in the parents, whose primary function and freedom include preparation for obligations the state can neither supply nor hinder.”

Again in the 1972 case Wisconsin v. Yoder, the court further declared that “the history and culture of Western Civilization reflect a strong tradition of parental concern for the nurture and upbringing of their children.”

Regrettably, the historical and constitutional precedents supporting parental authority have been disregarded in recent years.

Alleging that their efforts are intended to protect children from harm and abuse, policy-makers and government agencies are stepping between parents and children.


Usurping parents
Specific to public education, parental authority is being undermined. For instance, the Alameda School District Board of Directors recently approved the use of homosexual curriculum over the strong objections of parents. The school board even removed the standard “opt-out” provision, which allows parents to exclude their children from such controversial instruction. According to the board members, exposure to the curricula is “in the best interest of all children” because it prevents discrimination and bullying against students on campus. 

These types of social agendas contribute to increasing government control over our children and result in the loss of parental rights. Government support of pro-homosexual efforts, for example, specifically contradicts the historical and constitutional precedents discussed above. 

To protect children from governmental social agendas, parents are progressively choosing to homeschool their children. Since 1999, the number of children being homeschooled nationwide has increased by 74 percent, and homeschooling has become the fastest growing form of education. This rise stems from parents’ concerns regarding amoral and immoral instructional content, anti-religious content and dissatisfaction with the learning environment of public schools. The growth can be attributed to the burgeoning networks and organizations that support parents’ educational efforts and allow for flexibility to meet the holistic needs of students.


Resolution challenges public schools
Similarly, the Southern Baptist Convention recently called for parents to remove their children from public schools. Recognizing the enormity of the challenges parents and children face in our public schools the convention urged churches to create new “Kingdom” schools as an education alternative. They stressed the importance of students “…to be fortified with strong biblical precepts as well as history, grammar, literature, civics, math and science.” The Southern Baptist Convention’s resolution reiterates that a child’s education is a parents’ responsibility and the church is called to support parents in that effort.

As parents and churches continue to work together, providing support and educational opportunities for children, the child’s interests will always be protected.