Dear Editor,

So often we hear the adage ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, but I believe this practice died in the 1980s as most modern-day parents will ‘dun you’ if you even attempt to correct their children.

So when we cast blame on this generation for their uncultured behaviour, we must first look at their parents and their style of parenting.

Case in point: I was awaiting my turn to use an automated banking machine at the Portmore Mall when I saw a boy, who could be about nine or 10, wearing an earring. I turned to the young mother and asked her why she did that to the child. Her initial response was, “Why you so faas? It is my child.” She then proceeded to ‘give it to me’ using some choice words so many Jamaicans know best.

I stood my ground, unashamed, and told her it is not right and that she should have let him make that decision when he is of age. I still have no regrets talking to her, and I am sure she will one day reflect on my words.

In another case, I saw a mother barely moving when walking to get public transportation. I soon realised her slow pace was to accommodate her preschool child who was completely distracted by the smartphone she was using. The child already seems addicted to the device, and she’s not yet at primary school. This mother has sown a dangerous seed and will find it difficult to break her child’s habit. Who do we blame, the child or the parent?

Then there are the mothers who turn a blind eye when their sons abuse women, and parents who cover for their children when they rob, steal, and kill. It seems this nation can no longer depend on parents alone to raise the next generation.

Peter Brown

Portmore, St Catherine