RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28008, 30 June 1956, Page 14

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

“ Duties End When They Die”

GUIDANCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE

Few parents realise that their function as parents ends only when they die. according to an article in a recent issue of “Health,” the official bulletin of the Department of Health. Some feel their duties have been fulfilled when they produce a child, and others that responsibility ends when the child goes to school. The more enlightened are those anxious to do their job until the child leaves school, says the article.

“Morality is difficult to establish without some guiding principles, religious or otherwise, and until we are wise enough to judge for ourselves, we have to accept what we are taught. Precept without example however, is useless, and adolescents are quick to point out that father never practises what he preaches,” says the article. “It is extremely important that the home should provide as many facilities n s possible so voung people are not forced to go elsewhere for physical exercise, pleasure and recreation. “Every home should be made sufficiently attractive to encourage chi’dren to bring their friends home, and parents should do all they can to effect this. Adolescents should not be allowed to shirk their share of household duties, and each should be given a particular task. The inculcation of this sense of responsibility, this sense of duty, is of primary importance in building character. They should however. be allowed frequently to make their own decisions, to make mistakes and profit by them. They should be 'let alone’ enough, and checked at the right moment in the right way.

Hobbies and Reading “Hobbies should be encouraged, especially those which exercise creative powers, and adolescents should be encouraged to discuss what they are reading with their parents, who should try to guide them in choice of literature.

“Parents must take an active part and not a passive interest in these pursuits, even to lhe extent of being forced to reveal their own inferiority in games of skill. Although the provision of outdoor games is a function of clubs, schools and public bodies, parents can assist in promoting these activities, and where space is available on the section, every effort should be made to provide exercise facilities. Badminton, volley-board and teniquoits can be set up in comparatively small areas and table-tennis and basketball goal-shooting, can often be set up in a garage, a basement, or large shed,” says the article.