Parents have power to change nation’s future

THE EDITOR: I have been listening to the various talks, arguments, political speeches, changes of governments but nothing has really changed. In fact it seems to be getting worse. There seem to be more kidnappings, road accidents and murders. There is a saying that goes like this: “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” In my humble opinion, the women who bear the children carry the burden for what is happening today. They are the ones who should train the children well — whether they be boy or girl — since they are with the mothers from the beginning of their lives.

There should be pre-natal classes for these ladies at least one month before giving birth, whether in nursing homes or hospitals. Fathers should be equally strong. I cannot agree with the belt or the stick. I would prefer to see more family outings so that family members get to know each other better beyond just eating time. Let us remember too that the nation’s teachers become the mothers and fathers of our children from 8 am to 3 pm every day. So when teachers correct the children, parents should not complain or abuse the teachers since the children will disrespect both parents and teachers.

Parents and teachers should work closely together and have frequent meetings so that the children will be better guided throughout their school life. Let us not wait until it is too late when the very fathers might turn to shooting their own sons for stealing and kidnapping, and the very mothers might start to murder the men who rape and demean their daughters. Parents take charge before it is too late. We are the ones who have the power to change things. Let us re-discover some of the old ways of relating to each other and to our children. Let us get back to our peaceful and united Trinidad and Tobago — the “Jewel of the West Indies.”

IRIS A DA COSTA
Diego Martin