The EDITOR, Sir:

Regardless of their faults and sometimes failure to live up to their responsibilities, our fathers are, indeed, special. Their role is of paramount importance to the family, the community, and by extension, the nation. The fact is the relationship between a father and his children is key to building strong families.

It was Sigmund Freud who said he "could not point to any need in childhood as strong as that of a father's protection". Dorothy Thompson from the Ladies Journal, June 1956, states, "Children want to feel instinc-tively that their father is behind them as solid as mountains, but, like a mountain, is something to look up to."

blame

The Apostle Paul counselled: "You fathers, do not be irritating to your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental regulating." We often blame many social problems on fathers who do not fulfil their role.

It is also said that the decline of fatherhood is a major force behind many of the most disturbing problems now facing the Jamaican society. Does this mean that children whose fathers do not guide them are destined to failure? No!

A story was told of a nine-year-old boy in Thailand who lost his mother when he was a baby and his father, not wanting him, left him with his grandmother. Feeling unwanted and unloved, the boy was rebellious and earned the reputation of bully.

Our fathers can be effective by looking carefully at these pointers and applying them to their daily lives accordingly:

Being there for their children, both physically and emotionally.

Supporting the teachers and the school, and conveying the knowledge to the children.

Providing simple instruction at home when work comes from school.

Monitoring your child's work, but only when the child encounters obstacles to progress.

Raising the children in an atmosphere of genuine affection, despite the harsh economic realities.

Trying as best as possible to satisfy the material and the physical needs of the child and the family.

Showing respect and guiding responsibility, laced with a combination of love and discipline.

Being there to listen to them, supporting them, praying with them and for them.

Remembering not to embarrass them.

I am, etc.,

Paul Messam

Guidance counsellor

Mona High School