Children who get these developmental needs met will be able to develop personality characteristics such as a healthy sense of self, healthy personal interests, and an ability to initiate and maintain relationships. To concentrate on and enjoy school activities, and to develop career interests ... and

These children, when they become adults, will be able to develop relationships and will be able to, if this life course is chosen, have children of their own for whom they will provide a safe and nurturing environment free from abuse, neglect, chaos, loss, and trauma.

However, it is understood that many of our youth and young parents did not grow up in homes that were free of abuse, neglect, chaos, loss, and trauma which left them with emotional and relationship deficits. Hence, they will be at a disadvantage in accomplishing the above mentioned life tasks and, furthermore, in creating healthy marital relationships and healthy home environments for their children.

The long range effects of this poverty of skills and emotional health are myriad which hurt the individual and tax the time and resources of the state.* This state of affairs could be mitigated if the skills and core problems were addressed at an early stage in the child’s life.

Therefore, it is put forth that if these future parents were trained in relationship and parenting skills they would be able to succeed at marital relationships and become the kind of parents who might raise their children in a safe and nurturing environment, free from abuse, neglect, chaos, loss, and trauma.

So it is with a consensus by the undersigned that it is suggested that the State of Texas create and implement a class consisting of a year of instruction in relationships, parenting, and self development. It is suggested that the class will be offered in the 9th year of school matriculation (as Freshmen) for all Texas students.

6/03/02