POSITIVE Parenting

Natasha Hamilton's 10-year-old son wants the hand-held game, Play-Station Portable, for Christmas. However, she is unable to fulfil her bright-eyed son's wish because she has fallen on hard times.

"That's what he wants," said Hamilton. "All year, he wanted a puppy and the game. He got the puppy, now he talks about getting it (the game) for Christmas."

A cousin of hers bought the instrument in the United States and sent it to Jamaica via courier service. But Hamilton cannot obtain the more than $6,000 needed for shipping and clearing duties.

"I was so happy when she bought it. But I can't find that money," she explained.

Hamilton is one of many Jamaican parents jolted by the global financial crisis which has weakened their spending capability and left them juggling priorities. They will not be able to treat their children as they have in the past.

Andrea Walters, another parent, is depressed and wishes that Christmas will never come.

Every grand market - a massive sales event on Christmas Eve in Jamaica - she buys new clothing for her nine-year-old son to walk the streets of Port Maria, St Mary.

Additionally, he would get a toy of his choice. However, in March, her employer made her position redundant. Since then, Walters has not been able to get another job.

Her rent payment is due. Add to that the misery from disconnection of electricity and water supply earlier this month, the holidays will be filled with heartache.

"This is the worst Christmas, ever," she said. "Christmas is for children and I have always tried to provide the best meal and whatever I can for him."

Scaledown

Two other parents interviewed also said grand market will be the only pre-Christmas shopping event this year.

"Money scarce, it costs for bus fare and to buy food. So it is only grand market for them this year," says Joy Walker of Clarendon.

But the anxiety being felt by parents over their inability to do more for their children this Christmas could well be for nought.

Faith St Catherine, social counsellor at the Women's Resource Outreach Centre in the Corporate Area, said children are smarter than many persons think. She encouraged parents to communicate with children and explain their financial status.

"Children understand if we sit them down and explain. Children don't make demands that parents can't afford," St Catherine said.

Another solution, she said, is to ask children to provide an option if their first-choice gift cannot be granted. She also suggested that parents enlighten children about appreciating family get-togethers.

"What we must do is create happy memories," she advised. "Once they enjoy themselves, they won't even recall that mommy or daddy was broke. Teach them to enjoy the simple joys of life."