AT a time when females dominate Jamaican classrooms, it appears remarkable that four boys from the same family have all gained government scholarships to advance their education. Wayne, Warren, Kevin and Jerome Robinson have made their parents proud with their exploits in the classroom.

ROBINSON... you must invest time in your child

Their mother, Michelle Robinson, said their success can be explained by a few simple, old-fashioned rules that may be applied in the interest of other children by loving parents of any background.

"Psalm 127 says children are a gift from the Lord, but with every gift comes responsibility," she said. "We as parents have the power to change the nation and the world, because we impact not just on the present generation, but also on every generation after the one we started."

Robinson was speaking at the Scotiabank Foundation's annual luncheon, held in Kingston, for winners of the Grade Six Acheivement Test (GSAT) scholarships.

The first rule, she said, is to make time for children.

"You must invest time in your child. Both my husband (Dr Paul Robinson) and myself have worked all our lives. It was demanding in the early years but you have to make the time," said the proud mother. "Become active in your child's life - attend open days, sports days, PTA meetings and school trips as far as it's possible.

"Talk and relax with them, spend some time reading or going out and having fun; you only get to know a person when you spend the time to connect with them."

The second rule is to instil discipline tempered with love.
"You have to instil the right attitude to work in your children. Discipline can't be harsh but must be firm. A child must learn from an early age that nothing on this earth worth having comes easily; it comes at a price which is usually hard work, sacrifice, and commitment," said Robinson, who along with her husband runs a general medical practice in Montego Bay.

The 'super mom' said she and her husband get their sons involved in simple household tasks to make them appreciate the responsibilities of each member of the family and that tasks must be done properly. But with the boys being boys, it was quite a task getting the active clan to complete the chores without them running off.

"The effort it takes to get the full co-operation from them, you wonder if it is worth it, but you must persevere," she said.
The third rule is to establish a routine.

"When they come home from school, allow time to rest and watch TV and then there's a time at which work must begin. In the early years I had to sit with my boys, because if you leave to do something, they're gone," she reminisced.

Eventually they understood, so in the high school years they have learned to organise themselves, Robinson said with pride.

Co-curricular activities have been important in the development of the Robinsons - swimming, music, tennis, debating, football and quiz competitions have kept them busy throughout the years. All four attended Mt Alvernia Preparatory School in the western city before moving on to an all-boys institution, Cornwall College.

"Activities like these extract talents from them they didn't know they had, and they also teach them time management. Busy people usually manage time better," said the proud mother.

Fourthly, Robinson suggested encouraging and motivating children through tokens of appreciation to give them an extra drive to continue their work.

"You have to keep them in a positive mood. Even if you are a little disappointed with them, you can't let it show," she said.

Michelle and Paul reward their sons for having courage and for perseverance, not only in passing exams, but about being successful in life in general.

"You don't have to go out of the way to give them material things, but give something to boost them," the mother said.
Lastly, but by no means least, Robinson places emphasis on the spiritual development of her sons.

"We want to develop people of excellence in character, people who are happy and well-adjusted, and who understand that the gifts they possess are not only for their personal gain but to uplift humanity," she said.

Robinson added that parents must not only take their children to church, but also find the time to give to the poor, assist a needy child or comfort someone who is grieving.

"You have to live what you say if want them to learn. Simply reading to them what is to be done will never make the change," she said.

The eldest of the Robinsons, Wayne, is now in lower sixth form at Montego Bay Community College, having earned nine ones in his CSEC exams, and a 'B' in his only GCE exam at Cornwall College. His siblings, Warren, Kevin and Jerome are at Cornwall in grades 11, nine and seven respectively.

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