THE EDITOR, Madam:
The month of November was highlighted as Parents' Month. As a young and proud father of an unborn son, I am deeply disturbed by the level of delinquency and unpreparedness among male parents in Jamaica today. It is heart-rending to know that 58 per cent of registered births in Jamaica, do not have their fathers' name affixed to their birth certificates. Nine out of every 10 fathers do not attend PTA meetings. This is not just an indictment on the male population, but a disgrace.
When did we arrive at the point where our children no longer mean anything to us? It is wrong. God is going to punish us for abandoning our children.
As our society continues to bleed from an erosion of traditional values and social norms, coupled with the depressing underachievement of our boys, men must reclaim their rightful role as exemplars of decency, honour, integrity, courage and pride. It makes no sense expecting our children to listen to our advice and ignore our example. It is hard on our boys to be crushed by the wheels of fate and a father who is almost hateful in his absence and general indifference towards him.
For men to become good parents, we must get rid of the 'slavish' mentality that has held us back for so long. Being a good parent is more than just providing food, clothes and shelter for our children. Being a good parent is about helping your child with school work, changing their diapers, bathing them, taking them to church and directing their growth and development.
If these noble practices make a man a 'maama man', we should all feel honoured to be members of the 'maama man' association.
I am, etc.,
ANDRE A.O. WELLINGTON
Manchester
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