EDITORIAL - A new kind of motherhood

The celebration of motherhood this year maintained its usual commercial edge ensuring that florists, restaurateurs and merchants filled their coffers and that Mother's Day maintained its tradition as one of the most significant days of the year.

The history books tell us that American schoolteacher Anna Jarvis convinced President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 to declare the second Sunday in May a special one, devoted to honouring mothers. Even though Miss Jarvis came to resent the rampant commercialisation of Mother's Day, it has become the one day of the year when many remember to pamper the maternal figures in their lives.

But mothers need no special day to nurture their children and provide them with love and maternal guidance. Sadly, there are those mothers who look upon Mother's Day with immense pain because they have been robbed of that precious gift of a child. In this year alone, more than 500 mothers are grieving the loss of their children, senselessly snatched away by the unstoppable violence that has gripped this nation for too long.

Although mothers deserve their time in the spotlight, we believe this should not only be about the feasts and celebrations, it should also be a time of introspection. It is a fact that the eyes of mothers are not great at seeing their children's flaws. They love their children unconditionally. But motherhood is one of life's daunting tasks with awesome responsibility, and there are likely to be failures. Regardless of what the experts say today, the traditional parent believed in disciplining children for their transgressions. Many in adulthood have confessed that the iron hand of their parents is what held them on the straight and narrow path.

Deficient parents

The rotten behaviour of children in schools and the growing number of young people involved in violent behaviour are enough to question whether today's parents are lacking in the requisite skills to produce worthwhile citizens with a well-defined sense of justice and fair play. Do we need a new kind of parent who is willing to refocus on old-time values and attitudes?

Are our mothers being the best that they can be? Why have so many children been abandoned on the streets of Jamaica? Where are these mothers and fathers? In a society that likes to talk about family values, we need to tackle these questions seriously.

And the sons and daughters, do they consider that they should respect their elders and honour mothers, grandmothers and other maternal figures in society? We suggest there are some other appropriate ways in which to show appreciation for our mothers. We believe according them respect, ensuring their safety, showing them compassion are some of the areas in which the men in society can demonstrate that they love their mothers.

Let us go beyond celebrating with cards, flowers and food. We need to ensure that fewer mothers suffer the pain of making trips to the morgue to identify their children and husbands. Let us find ways of bringing back the family to the centre of our lives.

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