Most children are more than happy to get to spend time with their grandparents, and most grandparents enjoy visits from their grandchildren and are a positive influence in their lives.
But the Alabama Supreme Court made a wise decision recently in striking down a state law that would have guaranteed a right for grandparents to visit with their grandchildren even over the objections of the children’s parents.
Those of us with fond memories of our grandparents can scarcely imagine why that would even be an issue. But sadly, not all families are close-knit, and sometimes there are real animosities between generations.
Ultimately, however, because parents bear the responsibility for raising their children, they should have the final say over whom the children may spend time with. Some parents may restrict visits by grandparents for petty reasons, and that is certainly unfortunate. But barring obvious abuse or neglect by parents, it is not proper government business to dictate whom parents must let their children associate with.
As Alabama Associate Justice Tom Parker wrote, the case dealt with “when a state may impinge upon the fundamental right of a fit, natural parent to decide which associations are in the best interests of his or her children.”