On an earlier post, we discussed Daniel and his mom, Collen Hauser. After reading this article, it seems that Daniel’s mom was just scared. Her initial reaction was one of fear, and she was trying to do what was best for her son.
You and I may not agree with her, but one thing is clear: she was not being abusive. There are parents who neglect their kids, who emotionally and physically abuse them. Those are the parents we need to follow. They should be in the media, so that society can watch them. Daniel Hauser’s mother? She’s not a bad parent. She’s just a scared mother. I’m a mother. I can relate.
This case also shows us that, when it comes to our kids, we do not have the exclusive right to decide for them in certain aspects (medical treatment, school). Yet we never have. We never have had the exclusive right to parent in any way we want–we are limited by what society deems right. For instance, we can’t allow our five-year-olds to drink beer or our ten-year-olds to work at McDonald’s. This is just another application of that same idea: a minor child with a serious illness must receive the best, most appropriate care available.
Daniel will remain in the home as long as the parents agree to the court-ordered treatment for their son.
