Taking advantage of granny

THE EDITOR: With reference to the letter “We must be disciplined in order to discipline” by Ulric Guy Newsday August 26, I would like to reply to this goodly gentleman and ask that he review his condemnation of the grandmother of the child in question.

It seems to me that many grandmothers in this country are taken for granted and are related numerous which are not theirs to accomplish. When they have already laboured with one generation, their own children, they are asked to labour again for their grandchildren. Is that fair? A grandmother’s role should not be one of standing in long lines for long periods to pay any bills and in addition having to baby sit restless, playful children! Where was the father of that child, may I ask? Even if the parents were at work they can easily pay someone to look after the child or register it in the many camps that are open to children at vacation time. Society seems to be harping a lot about children’s rights these days, but what about responsibility? Under UNICEF, children’s rights are accompanied by their responsibilities. They need to be taught obedience and respect for the elderly.

PHILLIPPA ALLARD-PERSAD
San Fernando