POSITIVE Parenting

Certainly not, but we must agree that the family worldwide is in crisis. As opined by theologian Mary Hatch, the family is in flux, which would indicate that it is in a state of constant change, and changes in the society will also impact the family positively or negatively.

Sociologists Robert Bellah, et al, citing Arlie Hochschild, says that there is a crisis with giving and receiving attention in the family. The care of everything and everyone, especially children, is suffering because there is not enough time. They think that although the solution to this problem involves changes in the larger society, in the short term, there is the immediate obligation on the part of everyone in the family to restore the centrality of attention and care. The writers think that Hochschild is right, that the immediate need at the moment is a greater participation of more husbands and fathers in the care that is essential to family life.

They argue that it is a historic illusion to imagine that there has only been a single family form. What is important is the equality of family life, not the diversity of its forms. The task of restoring family life, whatever form the family may take, cannot be the family's alone. Hochschild thinks that a 'job culture' has expanded at the expense of a 'family culture'.

The foregoing aptly describes the state of the family in Jamaica, where materialism - which does consume us - has relegated the family to the back burner, as our values deteriorate and our priorities become misplaced.

I am, etc.,

Cynthia Lawrence-

Jennings

151 Vera Cruz Square

Hellshire Heights

Greater Portmore PO

St Catherine