Rights of parents over children

A right is acquired not only over things but also over persons. Such rights have their origin primarily in generation, consent, or crime. By generation, parents acquire a right over children – both parents, I mean, the father and the mother. But if there is variance in the exercise of these rights, the right of the father is given preference on account of the superiority of sex.

The period of infancy, and ownership of property by infants

Moreover, in dealing with children, three periods must be distinguished. The first is that of imperfect judgement,…while there is lack of discretion.…The second is the period of mature judgement, but while the son still remains a part of the family of the parents, that is so long as he has not separated from it.…The third is the period after the son has withdrawn from the family.

In the first period, all the actions of children are under the control of the parents; for it is fair that he who is not able to rule himself be ruled by another. . . . But naturally no one except the parents can be found to whom such control may be committed.