Attentive parenting

Congratulations, Alwyn Poole (Dec 31), on a succinct message, which stated the obvious – but rarely mooted – reason for so many children struggling at school. It all comes down to parenting, and the time parents are willing (they are mostly able) to devote to their children.

So many parents have felt pressured to work to provide in a material way, replacing their personal attention with ‘‘goodies’’ to keep the children happy – in the short term.

The best children (not necessarily the brightest) I worked with in my 35 years of teaching were those whose parents were familiar faces at the school, taking an active interest in understanding what the school was trying to achieve, and supporting their children in their endeavours.

Yes, teachers have, for years, been poorly paid considering expectations put on them. They are handed young minds at many and varied levels of potential ability, and are expected to turn each one into a model citizen, literate and numerate!

But no amount of money will alter the effect of the neglect of nurturing those young minds from babyhood.

School are full of damaged goods. Many children are fortunate, and will succeed despite the type of parenting they have endured, but far too many will hardly get past ‘‘first base’’.

Schools need support for these children. Yes, it costs, but it has proven results.

Lois Brinck, Paraparaumu Beach [abridged]