Make parenting education mandatory

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The ultimate responsibility for children’s growth and development lies within the context of the family; however, the government has a responsibility to provide leadership by taking decisive actions to do what is in the best interest of the country. Families are the building blocks of society. If families fail to effectively apply their responsibilities, all of us will suffer. No one is safe unless we are all safe – we need each other – we need each family to raise children that are competent, confident, caring, and successful.

The National Parenting Support Policy (2011) says the following:

– All parents have hopes and goals for their children.

– Parents differ in their abilities and/or resources to help their children reach those goals.

– Parents are the central contributors to children’s education and their development.

I strongly believe that parents want the best outcomes for their children but many do not have the requisite knowledge or skills to achieve their visions. Parents need help. We are experiencing a national crisis where parenting is concerned and we are seeing this reality play out in what’s happening in our schools, for example.

The currently situation is having incalculable negative effects on the society. The government therefore has a responsibility to step in and do what is necessary for us to get the results that we desire. It was Nelson Mandela who said: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” The Government of Jamaica should make parenting education compulsory.

The aims of this compulsory education are:

1. To guarantee that all parents know their rights and responsibilities under the various legislations and policies concerning children.

2. To ensure that children are provided with nurturing environments that will ensure that they self-actualise.

3. To positively impact the social, cultural and economic fabric of the Jamaican society to further its vision of becoming the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business. (Vision 2030).

Compulsory parenting education is possible through multisectoral partnerships and collaborations. A key partner in making this vision a reality is that the Ministry of Education and Youth should partner with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

All parents who take their children to health centres or private health facilities should be required to undergo parenting education courses (synchronous or asynchronous) based on the stage of development of the child. This means that parenting education would be continuous as the child move through the different developmental stages. So just as how all children must have a health passport, all parents must have their parenting education certificates.

It was Brad Sugars who said: “Words can inspire; thoughts can provoke but only action can take us closer to our dreams!” The month of November is recognised as Parents’ Month – let’s take action today for a better tomorrow for Jamaica.

ANISA WILSON-SMITH