Offering a little bit of parental guidance

I should have learned by now, with all the headlines I come across in newspapers and on the Internet, to not be surprised by anything I see in a headline. These brief lines of text are designed and carefully crafted to grab our eyes and make us want to read everything that is written underneath it. They inform us of the latest instances of human tragedy or accomplishment, and keep us posted on developments that may change our lives.

And some broadcast the latest Britney Spears information.

"Spears may be positioning for comeback after custody battle," trumpeted a headline on Yahoo a couple weeks ago. Sure, when I want actual "news" Yahoo is not among my first choices, but I came across the headline when the Yahoo window opened on my computer as I was researching something that was actually important.

So in essence, what the headline is saying is that Britney surrendering sole custody of her two children to ex-husband Kevin Federline is actually a wise career move. I'm sure her latest move to shed the excess baggage of two children will free her up for what is really important in her life, mainly Britney.

This next statement may be the most important one I've ever made on this page - boys and girls, do not make babies unless you are intending to act like parents.

I purposely did not say to not make babies until you are prepared for parenthood, because nothing can truly prepare you for parenthood. You learn on the fly, by the seat of your pants, and some of the best lessons in life are the ones your kids will teach you.

Is it hard? Parts of it definitely can be. Is it time-consuming? Yes, it's 24/7. Can I do it? Yes, you can, if you really want to. Not everyone is cut out to be a parent, but sadly not everyone who is not cut out to be a parent realizes it before bringing a baby into the world. You don't become a parent as the result of biology, you earn the title by first realizing that by becoming a mother of father, you are not only making the most important decision of your life, but also in the life of your child.

Craig Purcell may be contacted at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.