Concerning Chaperonage

Like fashions and customs in many other matters, the words of our language come and go. Many times we have seen words suddenly become current, and we have seen words quietly leave our daily language almost without our being aware of it one word that was once used often and which now seems almost eliminated form current language is the word “chaperone”. To those who have lived longer it stirs many memories, but too many today it has little practical meaning. But, old-fashioned as it is, and old-fashioned as it seems to say so, it reminds us of a time when parents knew, or tried to know where their children were every hour of the day and night, and with whom, and for what purpose, and when and how they would be expected to return. This, of course, in some circumstances, is not always possible. But that doesn’t mean that there is less need now to know where our children are, in so-called modern society. And if parents have too lightly shaken off responsibility, it is likely that they have failed to face facts. The supposition that some good fortune is somehow going to take care of our children no matter where they go, or who with, is a fallacy that has often led to heartache. There is an obligation on the home that no one else can take over so successfully, and no free and easy attitude can assure their safety. And the false supposition that youngsters should be allowed to go anywhere, anytime without being accountable to anyone is a source of many of the problems of young people, and many of the problems of parents. Social companions are more respectful of those who come from homes where a mother and father expect to know where they are, and for what purpose, and with whom, and who have an understanding and agreement as to when they will be back. And to parental responsibility—these are words that must not lose their meaning—for parents are responsible for the children whom God has entrusted to them.