Letter of the Day | Who is raising our children?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As an educator, I am deeply concerned about a growing pattern I encounter daily – the rise of permissive parenting and its impact on our children’s development.

Increasingly, we see young people entering school spaces without clear boundaries, without a sense of responsibility and without the foundational values that guide respectful and productive behaviour. This is not merely a “school problem”, it reflects a broader shift in how we understand parenting. In many homes, the role of the parent has shifted from guide and authority figure to friend and passive observer. While warmth and openness are important, children also need structure, accountability and moral direction.

Parents are a child’s first teachers. They are responsible for modelling discipline, empathy, resilience and respect. They must teach children how to persevere when tasks become difficult, how to care for others and how to conduct themselves with dignity. When these lessons are absent, schools are left trying to compensate, often with limited success.

It is troubling that, in an age where access to information is unprecedented, there appears to be a decline in the application of knowledge and values. Many students demonstrate limited perseverance, low empathy and a concerning lack of shame or accountability for inappropriate behaviour. There is also an increasing glorification of material wealth and premature sexual expression, often without an understanding of the responsibilities and consequences attached.

This is not a call to suppress individuality or expression. Our children should be encouraged to think critically, express themselves and explore their identities. However, freedom without guidance can lead to confusion and poor decision-making. True empowerment comes from balance, where self-expression exists alongside strong moral grounding and respect for self and others.

To reclaim our moral compass, we must start at home. Parents must re-engage actively in their children’s lives, setting boundaries, monitoring influences, having honest conversations and reinforcing values consistently. Schools and communities can support but they cannot replace the role of the parent.

If we are serious about shaping a generation that is not only informed but also responsible, compassionate and resilient, then we must revisit what it means to parent with intention.

MONIQUE SEATON-RENFORD