Change style of parenting
published: Saturday | January 7, 2006

The Editor, Sir:

'Let women keep the lamps' was an interesting article in the Sunday Gleaner, on January 1. The author of the article struck a chord when he mentioned the parenting. I must say the boys are not read to, are not encouraged to read, and they are not given books as presents. They are allowed to run wild while the girls are cooped up. The parenting and even the teaching style of teachers need to change. We must all realise that boys learn differently and they need as much attention as the girls get. I believe that many men and boys seek the attention that they did not get from their parents.

I must say that at the school where I teach, the class that gives the most trouble has the most boys and that class is oftentimes at the bottom of the stream. If our boys are going to change, then the parenting of boys must change. I support the idea that boys must be forced to do their assignments like the girls; wash their underwear like the girls; learn household skills like the girls, so that they can be more of a help to their partners when they become men. We must encourage our boys and never give up on them.

I am, etc.,

BRIDGET THOMPSON

DUNKLEY

amelia_bdunk@hotmail.com

Cooreville Gardens

Via Go-Jamaica