Dear Readers,
According to the National Parenting Support Policy (2011) the national vision for parenting is:
“All parents in Jamaica – whether by virtue of having given birth, adopting or serving as guardians – recognize, accept and discharge their duty to ensure that the rights of children are always upheld, the best interests of children are always promoted and their children are always loved and provided with opportunities and resources to achieve their full potential and ultimate fulfillment, within safe, caring and nurturing environments.”
As a nation, there is much work to be done if we are to realize this vision for parenting any time soon. The current display of indiscipline and mayhem that is being showcased in our schools is but a shadow of the true state of affairs. Too many of our children are completely off the straight and narrow path! The visible behavioural effects of indiscipline and misconduct are mere causes of poor parenting practices, poor socialization practices, lack of right values, attitudes and life skills in our children, among many other factors.
Parenting is the most powerful indicator of whether a child succeeds or fails in life. The home is the first school and therefore the first means of socialization for the child. Ineffective parenting in Jamaica is reaping serious inestimable public costs to our society! It is therefore the responsibility of the government to ensure that its citizens receive the knowledge, attitudes and skills it needs to practice effective parenting. Effective parenting education MUST be compulsory for all prospective and present parents. Effective parenting education must be systemized – no parent should escape this knowledge!
Parents must understand their roles and responsibilities long before having a child! Potential parents must ensure that they are economically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually ready before undertaking this very important decision! They must make sure that you understand the rights of a child. They must make sure that they can provide a safe and nurturing environment for a child. They must make sure that they can love a child. They must make sure that they have time to spend with the child. They must make sure that they can provide the resources that the child will need. Remember, no child ever asked to be born into this world! If you are unable to effectively parent a child, leave them in the unknown!
Parents, I want you to understand that being a parent means that you now have the power to shape a future generation! You have the power to mold a person who will contribute positively to society or who will bring destruction and mayhem! The results you get will be based on the parenting practices you utilize. You therefore have the responsibility to learn! Get the information! Read the books! Listen to parenting podcasts etc., in order to be armed with the tools you will need to parent effectively. This education is especially important now that we are living in the 21st Century where technology plays a critical role in how children are socialized!
Parenting is serious business! If you are not up for the challenge – take the necessary precautions! Prevention is better than cure!
Happy Parents Month 2022.
