Home is so precious

It’s one thing for a young person to have parents that are absent or ineffective, but the problems are compounded when the young person has no single one place to call home. 

Although many are living in good homes, others are living in places full of chaos; fighting occupants, drug use, overcrowding, clutter, and endless noise. How do young people function adequately with any of this continuous confusion? They don’t!

Neighbourhoods used to provide young people with comfort, fun, and tools for lifelong learning. Many of us will fondly remember neighbours who were our surrogate parents as we played outdoors, even if our parents were at home. We remember the strict neighbour who seemed to have ears attached to the outside of the home. They were quick to correct our wrongdoings.

Within our homes, we had a comfortable place to sleep, a balanced meal to eat and a table at which we sat for dinner and did our homework. If a household had many siblings, the chores routine was worked out like clockwork. Home was a space we called our own.

Comfort zone 

Many young people today look for that comfort zone and latch on to any place — or any person — in which they can find it. And then what happens? We have a bunch of wayward youth engaging in destructive activities.  

Parents must be held accountable for the upbringing of their offspring and this includes providing the necessities in life. I’ve always tried to encourage parents who are “stuck” on how to parent to seek help from someone who seems to be on the right track. Being embarrassed or ashamed to do so will ultimately leave the child in a position of raising himself.  

While times have changed, the needs of children have not. All children want to be loved and respected. And, contrary to what some may believe, they also desire guidance.  

Congratulations to the Lusher Hill, Lusher Lane and Random Hill neighbourhood watch committee who had their first Family Fun Day last Saturday. The fun castle and horse rides alone were a hit for all the children, many of whom came from other parts of the island. The adults enjoyed it, too. This is what Bermuda used to be like and if all adults took charge and pulled together, we would all benefit. We must do what is correct for our youth and model behaviour for them. 

Shawnette Somner is an educator and a mother. Email: [email protected]