This has been going around awhile, promulgated by many many sources, but I think it was started by the Brookings Institution.
- Graduate High School
- Get a full time job
- Get married before having children
Ok, I can see that.
Seems common sensical, right?
The middle class already does those three things, for the most part. Ideally you want people that are now poor to in the future do the 3 things so they will stop being poor.
How do we as a society encourage young people to do those three things? Note I don't say 'government'. I say 'society'.
(Government can do things. Like stop incentivizing the inverse. Gov't, for example, under Obamacare, incentivizes NOT employing someone full time. Don't do that. Lots of other examples where gov't sticks its big nose in and messes things up royal.)
Society already shouts encouragement. Read to your kids. Stay together for your kids. Eat a meal together as a family. Don't get payday loans. Etc. Copybook Heading style instructions. Plus the three things above. It doesn't mean folks listen.
There is not 3 steps to do in order to make those 3 steps above come about, are there?
I would add that Federal "entitlements" are especially destructive to families. A single woman with kids qualifies for subsidized housing and a host of other "benefits." Married couples get nothing.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteDear New Jovian Thunderbolt,
Totally agree with you and others about these three things to do.
However, ...
To answer your question.
Yes, there are three smaller steps.
First, ... Don't do for your children. Let them make mistakes, learn their lessons, and ...
Second, ... Teach your children the missing lessons at school. Show them the importance of holding a job, the value of money, the dangers and benefits of debt, and ...
Third, ... Show your children how to love and respect a member of the opposite sex, how to love themselves, and ...
Sincerely, Someone You Know