Roxroy McLean, Gleaner Writer

Rosemarie Walcott-Martin with her twin sons Ronaldhino and Rivaldhino Martin on their way to school. - Contributed

To be a parent is not just about providing the basic needs for children. It takes good communication; it takes strong determination and an incredible amount of patience to foster a child to become a respectable adult. In this feature, we highlight a parent who has taken the bold step to dedicate her time, effort and money to ensure that her children get the best possible support that every child deserves in their youth.

Rosemarie Walcott-Martin, mother of twins Ronaldhino and Rivaldhino Martin, fits perfectly in this feature, demonstrating qualities that most mothers aspire to achieve, in the development of their children.

In an interview with The Gleaner recently, Mrs Walcott-Martin shared some qualities that can be emulated by other mothers in Waterhouse. The interview was conducted at her home on Bishop Avenue, Kingston 11, at a time when she normally gets up to prepare her sons for school. Both at age five, attend Aniel Early Childhood Basic School.

How often do you attend PTA meetings?

Martin: "As long as there is PTA meeting, I'm always present."

How much quality time do you spend with your children?

Martin: " I spend all quality on my kids. I'm at school for most of the time and every minute with them at home. I hardly get time for myself."

How do you describe quality time?

Martin: "For me, quality time is dedication. You have to be there every step of the way from baby stage through to the rest of their lives. Because, your child will always be your child, so you have to spend quality time all their lives."

You have to deal with two children at once, is there any time you feel as if you would like to stop?

Martin: "Of course, there are times when I feel like to stop. But if I do that, then who will provide the necessity for my children? I don't think I could go to my friend or anyone else, saying that I feel like I could stop paying my children attention, so please do it for me. No one would take that kind of responsibility and the challenge I face to deal with two at once. Sometimes can be very exciting."

What are your views on flogging at home andat school?

Martin: "Every child must be flogged, but under what circumstance? As the saying goes, 'you can't save the rod and spoil the child.' I believe that children must be disciplined but not abused. But only if they are rude and disrespectful then they fully deserve it."

Where do you think that the breakdown of discipline in society started?

Martin: "It started with parents sparing their children and covering for them when they do something wrong. That leads to children being obedient, talking back to their parents. Breakdown sometimes come from the lack of love in the home."

Who do you blame for the breakdown?

Martin: "I personally blame this on the parents. There are times when a child may use abusive language, steal and fight. Sometimes the parents aren't aware of their children's behavior outside the home, but when they are told sometimes by other parents, they defend their children."

What are your views on the violence in somehigh schools now?

Martin: Violence in the schools is getting worse everyday, students bringing knife, gun and disrespecting their teachers. It seems as if the students cannot be controlled. But again, the parents play a role. I've heard of an incident where a parent went to kill a teacher at a school because the teacher had scolded the misbehaving child. All these must be taken into consideration and drastic measures must be taken."

How can this be remedied?

Martin: " Parents must teach their children right from wrong. Don't abuse them, teach the children how to love and love them also. Let them understand the difference between good and bad. Instil in them values. Don't be a lazy. Talk with your child and always have something good to say and say it well."