The Editor, Sir:

There is no validity in the notion that migration has caused a breakdown in Jamaican family life. The Jamaican family has been deteriorating for a very long time because our society has not taught our children how to succeed in life; specifically our boys are not taught to be fathers and responsible growing men.

No mention of father figure

In the first article on the new feature on 'Positive Parenting', there was no mention of the father figure. Isn't it sad that women are left with the burden? For a country that is Christian-oriented we should remind ourselves that man is the head of the household. Our society has been deteriorating a long time. The increase in migration is caused by the lack of job opportunities within our country. Even the great America is faced with poor parenting and dysfunctional families.

I grew up in downtown Kingston (Blake Road). I went to Calabar Primary, Excelsior High School and CAST (now UTech). I migrated in 1989. There is an issue that needs to be addressed and from my experience it has contributed to criminal activities.

There are no programmes for the teenager, especially boys, between the age of 12-16. Our school system is programmed for extra lessons (private lessons) to succeed at GSAT. How many parents can really afford the extra lessons?

When a child fails to move on into one of the high schools and stays back for Grade 9, what happens if he is not placed? Who takes the time out to teach them the value of life, who really gives them hope? Most of the parents don't even know themselves. Indeed, we need to put parenting workshops in the schools.

I am, etc.,

MAGARET

mmonikab@aol.com