The family in Jamaica is very much alive. However, the question is 'How alive?'

As a parent, I am of the view that we need to play an active role in our family life as it relates to activities and the values we impart to our children. In addition, we need to be living examples.

There has, no doubt, been a decline as parents are caught up in providing. Consequently, the family has been neglected and suffers as our children have turned to TV, computers, games etc. We need to prioritise and thus make time for our family namely, have dinner together, go on excursions together, watch TV and most importantly WORSHIP TOGETHER.

We need to be actively involved in our children's lives. Know what they are doing, who their friends are and where they are allowed to go (constant monitoring of academic and social life).

In essence, parents need to make their family a priority and keep the embers that allow the family to persevere in this present day and age going. Finally, they also need to recognise when the embers are going out and rekindle them.

Tia Darby

dendoco@cwjamaica.com