I believe that a number of Jamaicans who are now in their 40s or older can relate readily to the experience of 'the look' during their formative years of development. 'The look' was simply an intense corrective stare from the parent to convey to the child that his/her current behaviour was unacceptable and should end at once, or be prepared to suffer the con-sequences of the 'rod of correction.'

The focus was primarily on the facial expression which would vary from parent to parent but did not detract from the message intended. Of course, no verbal communication was involved.

Constant reinforcement

I confess that I had many experiences with 'the look' but was wise to submit to the messages, hence I minimised my encounters with the rod. 'The look' served as a constant reinforcement to the moral values which my parents taught me. It also helped to reinforce the need to respect authority in every area of my interaction, beginning with my older siblings to authority figures at school, church, on the bus, etc. Now, as an adult and having practised 'the look' with my three children, I have no regrets of the experience.

This is an appeal to new and potential parents to begin, during the early years of the child's life, to cultivate positive morals and adopt the corrective method of 'the look' as they seek to guide the child into adulthood. I urge them to be consistent in this approach as inconsistency will not enhance the practice.

It is my belief that there is hope to recapture the moral values once embraced and practised by Jamaicans, and that bringing back 'the look' into parenting would be one of the many contributory factors towards this positive end.

I am, etc.,

JOAN PINKEY

jp.pinkney@gmail.com