I see the choice to marry and the choice to have a child as very very different ones. Failure in marriage is acceptable, I would say but I don't think that leads in any way to the idea that failing one's children is acceptable.
A marriage is (or should be) an equal contract between consenting adults. Both parties are responsible for making it work and if that's really not possible in the end then the partnership should be disolved in the least damaging fashion.
With a child though, you make the decision for both of you to bring that child into the world. That gives you the responsiblity to take care of that child for life and you can't step away from that. You're obligated to stick through it no matter what. It's not an equal partnership and that gives you more and different responsibilities.
Note that this view of marriage is part of why I'm not keep on the idea of "always and forever" promises in the marriage vows.
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chiming
Re: Hmm...
Date: February 3rd, 2005 09:28 am (UTC)From:A marriage is (or should be) an equal contract between consenting adults. Both parties are responsible for making it work and if that's really not possible in the end then the partnership should be disolved in the least damaging fashion.
With a child though, you make the decision for both of you to bring that child into the world. That gives you the responsiblity to take care of that child for life and you can't step away from that. You're obligated to stick through it no matter what. It's not an equal partnership and that gives you more and different responsibilities.
Note that this view of marriage is part of why I'm not keep on the idea of "always and forever" promises in the marriage vows.