NGO: Don’t rush into parenting

King was addressing a youth forum on Tuesday hosted by the Caribbean Youth Development Network at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine.

She cautioned that parenting is not something to enter into lightly.

Saying that the family is the cell of the body of society, King said, “When parents fail, societies and institutions fail. The quality of parenting impacts on the quality of our people.” She said parents must produce good people who can work well with others and so make the world a better place. King lamented that little is being done by other entities such as the State to address the “huge crater” that exists in people-making.

King asked the audience if any of them had perfect parents.

No one raised their hand.

“Very few parents feel they are good enough or adequate,” she remarked. “They did the best they could. Parents are not magically made perfect when they have a child.” However she advised those aspiring to be parents to remain authentic, even by embracing their imperfections.

“Admitting to others, including your children, that you have your doubts and that you just don’t know is authentic.” She urged those youngsters who eventually opt to become parents to give prominence to creating good people from their offspring.

Alternatively there is no shame in not having children, she said.

“If you chose to become a parent, give it the humongous amount of time it requires.

There’s nothing more important than raising good people.” King urged more State help towards parenting such as better maternity and paternity leave like some foreign countries. “When parents thrive, societies and organisations will thrive.” She advised the youngsters to find their purpose in life which, she said, is not easy to do.

“Whatever you are doing, find something in it that you like and give it your best. Then you begin to get a sense of what excites you, what floats your boat. Try different things. Listen to what people are telling you. If you’re stuck, it’s time to move on.” She urged youngsters to aim to show their parents that they can ultimately pay their bills.

If pursuing something offbeat, youngsters should create a good case to sell the idea to their parents. “Parents want the best for their kids and to know that you’ll be okay when they’re not around.”