19 May 2008
Often in life a series of events come together to and give you food for thought.
My local Baptist church is holding a set of workshops on parenting and I was able to attend the first session. Children sadly don’t come with an instruction book and as the father of 3 small children I know what a tremendous challenge and responsibility parenthood is.
Then last week on my way to the Civic Centre I heard a father yelling at his children using language that I can’t repeat. Part of me wanted to go over and tell him not to talk to his children in that way but I, like I am sure many of us would, just walked by on the other side of the road afraid of what reaction my words might have.
Finally I read a speech by the Shadow Minister for Works and Pensions, Chris Grayling called Shameless parents must not become the norm.
In it he said: “We’ve all been there and it’s tough. We’ve all felt as parents that, at times, we’re winging it. Trying our hardest, and hoping for the best. But I think many parts of our society no longer know how to bring up children. We live in a country where in many places Frank Gallagher style parenting has become the norm and not the exception. Frank’s kids might have turned out alright but that was more luck than good judgement – and no thanks to him. There are too many communities where parents no longer know what good parenting is. Where children are largely left to their own devices as they grow up.”
How do we give communities that are losing a sense of good parenting the knowledge and ambition that future generations so desperately need? You can’t just pass laws instructing parents to be good at their job. But there are some areas where we can and must seek to make a difference.
There are no easy answers here but it’s about time that those in power woke up to the problem before its too late!
Cllr Peter Thompson
Leader
London Borough of Hounslow
