Poor parenting is the real problem

THE EDITOR, Madam:

IAGREE strongly with Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ plan to look into the possibility of new or expanded legislation that will make parents suffer the consequences when their children behave in an unseemly, illegal and even violent manner towards others in our society.

With this action, he is stepping into his role as a father and leading from the front. In the seemingly ‘Dark Ages’ in which I was raised, parents did their duty as the adults charged with the responsibility of raising their children.

Back then, the home lived up to its role as the first school where the children began to learn society’s rules, morals and codes of conduct to live by from birth through to death. From the correct meal, sleep, play and work time, the child’s informal education began at home.

Where fortunate, we had the benefit of mother and father who showed us the proper examples of man/womanhood but in most cases, our grandparents were our loving if not more stern teachers. In those bad old days we lived by the mantra: “don’t spare the rod and spoil the child” and the teacher was permitted to only save the eyes. The much maligned corporal punishment was dispensed for every wrong and we certainly learnt to straighten up and fly right. I can say without fear of contradiction that none of my six siblings grew up to become murderers or spouse abusers; on the contrary, when we talk about the many spankings we got as children it is with much glee because we really deserved it. And, we don’t hate our parents or grandparents, either.

We spanked our children less, but we certainly passed down the good manners, respect for authority and sound morals we received.

Now we hear that today’s children are different. I disagree; it’s the parenting styles and skills that are wanting. The children are no longer even taught to wash their undies, tidy the house, make some tea or, heaven forbid, care for a pig or goat.

So, Mr Prime Minister, I say bring it on. The society cannot raise children, you cannot teach values and attitudes to teenagers gone wild. That is the job of parents and if they cannot manage child-rearing, they have no business breeding!