As strong representatives of millenials, our kids are much less independent, less mature, less patient. This is mixed with big expectations triggered by e-trade and media as well as technology advancements - to own the latest model of smartphone, tablet, popular clothing brands etc. Clearly, internet is offering limitless amounts of information regarding any topic and children are browsing not only for best offers in clothing, best pictures from friends or just tweeting, they share publicly their aspirations and exchange their challenges with parents.. Some of them google for rights of children, and are proudly announcing that they will not study, do homework or fulfill other duties, as they have right for shelter and proper treatment of their parents. Regardless...
We had a lawyer in our team, and he was excited to report that he has read law about children rights "Bērnu tiesību aizsardzības likums" and... discovered that Latvian law clearly defines not only rights but also duties for our kids. Here is clause 22 from the mentioned law...
" 22.pants. Bērna pienākumi mājās
(1) Bērnam ir pienākums atbilstoši savam vecumam apkopt sevi un piedalīties mājas darbos.
(2) Bērnam jāizturas ar cieņu pret saviem vecākiem (adoptētājiem) un citiem ģimenes locekļiem, pret aizbildņiem un audžuģimenes locekļiem.
(Ar grozījumiem, kas izdarīti ar 09.03.2000. likumu, kas stājas spēkā 11.04.2000.) "
Basically it says that children have to take care of themselves in line with age and their capabilities as well as participate in the organized life and work of the household.
Probably issue of our age and search engines is that it does not offer balanced view on any of topics searched. You search for what you want to hear, not for balanced picture... It does not teach that rights usually come along with some responsibilities and duties.
Anyways, parents of this world, unite, and make sure you bring across to your children balanced approach, ensuring that their rights are obeyed but work done :)