“Parenting is the biggest sacrifice one can make, it’s putting your life on hold to fulfill the promise of your children’s tomorrow – Frederica Ehimen
To become a parent is a bliss. Parents only know that a child is an invaluable gem showered on them. A child is a God’s blessing that is bestowed on every parent. Parents are like angels to their children. They protect, nurture, and take care of their children till the last breath of their lives. “Parental care” - the term is used to describe the legal duty of a parent towards his or her children. If you are a mother, you will automatically be expected to provide care for your biological children. If you are a father, you will only usually be expected provide care for your children if you are married to their mother and/or listed on their birth certificates.
Your parental responsibilities starts from the very day your child takes birth. Your child is your precious one. So, to carry on the responsibilities for your child is your first and foremost priority. The first thing that comes to our mind after child birth is to name the child. Choose a name for your special one. Your child needs a comfortable home. So, provide him or her with a home. The preaching of discipline should start from the very early age of the child. Teach the child the basics of discipline and educate him or her how to maintain it to the core. This will be of a long term help for the child. Providing education for the child is a must. Provide the child with the right education that will help him become a better human being in the future. Determine the religion of the child. It is very important for the child to know his or her religion. The child should be provided with any necessary medical treatment. This will keep the child free from any kind of diseases thus keeping him or her healthy and strong. Disclose confidential information about the child only where it’s necessary. Take responsibility for your child’s property. Protect your child’s property and take adequate responsibility in handling them. If the situation demands, appoint a legal guardian for your child. Financial support for the child is very essential and provide him or her with it till he is attending the age to be financially free.
If you need to provide parental care over a child you do not reside with, then, you will not necessarily have a right to make contact with him or her. In such a case, the other parent must keep you updated with regards to your child’s physical and emotional well-being and personal progress.
If you do not have parental responsibility over your child, you will need to apply to the court for parental care. To apply for parental care, you must have a connection to the child. As for example, you must be a father, stepmother, stepfather or second female parent. If you are a father or second female parent who desires to provide parental care, you must complete a parental responsibility agreement, while if you are a step-parent, you must complete a step-parent parental responsibility agreement. You must then take your agreement to your nearest family proceedings court, along with the child’s birth certificate and formal proof of your identity. After visiting the court, you should send two copies of your agreement to the Principal Registry of the Family Division.
If you wish to provide parental care to your child, but the mother does not agree to your application, you will need to apply for a court order through your nearest family proceedings court. When considering your application, the court will take into account factors such as your commitment and attachment to your child, alongside the reasons for applying for parental responsibility. The court will then accept or reject your application, based on the best interests of your child.
Your parental responsibilities will decrease as your child grows older. Once your child reaches 18 years of age you will cease to have parental care over him or her. But there are some areas in which you will want to retain financial responsibility for your child, for example, when your child applies for a university grant.
So, enjoy parenthood to the fullest. To become a parent is a blessing in itself. So, carry out your parental responsibilities for your little one. Your little bundle of joy seeks your parental care. So, extend your warmth to your apple of the eye. Only under your shadow, the little one will turn up into that wonderful human being that you always dream of.
