When "Doing Your Best" Isn't Enough – A Wake-Up Call on Parental Responsibility

Sweden is grappling with one of its most severe societal challenges: the dramatic surge in children and young people being drawn into serious crime. Statistics paint a chilling picture, revealing a disturbing trend where children are recruited into gangs at increasingly younger ages, committing brutal acts, and forfeiting their futures. In the desperate search for solutions, many voices have pointed to societal structures like segregation, lack of resources, and social exclusion. While these factors certainly play a role, it's time to stop adding a "but." It's time to speak plainly about the most fundamental responsibility of all: parental responsibility.

For too long, there has been an acceptance – perhaps a cautious reluctance – to state that "many parents are doing their best." And yes, most parents love their children and want what's best for them. But when we see thousands of children spiraling into a life of crime, "doing your best" is simply not enough if that "best" fails to protect the child.

Having children is not a right; it is a lifelong commitment. It demands immense dedication, not just financially, but, more importantly, emotionally and in terms of time. It involves providing your child with:

• Security and unconditional love: A stable foundation where the child feels loved and safe.
• Clear boundaries and guidance: A structure that provides security and teaches the child right from wrong.
• Presence and supervision: Knowing where your child is, who they are with, and what they are doing.
• Positive role models and alternatives: Actively steering the child towards healthy interests and away from destructive environments. This also means understanding that as a role model, you cannot sit around the kitchen table badmouthing the police, social services, and other authorities, and then expect your children to become law-abiding citizens. Your attitude towards societal institutions directly shapes your children's respect for law and order.

When these foundational pillars falter, a dangerous vacuum is created. Criminal networks are adept at identifying and exploiting vulnerable children. They offer a distorted form of community, status, and belonging that can fill the void left at home. Blaming "society" for a child's descent into criminality is to shirk primary responsibility. Society should offer support and preventative measures, but it can never replace the parents' crucial role.

It's time for a more direct discussion, especially with the younger generation who are about to start families. We must clearly convey that parenthood is a serious commitment that demands wholehearted engagement. To ignore this, or to continue with excuses, is to fail both the children and the future.

Let's stop saying "but." Parental responsibility is fundamental. That is where we must start to reverse this alarming trend.

Lundestefan