Gary's views

Gary's weekly views

Each week an article by Gary has appeared in the Plympton Plymstock and Ivybridge News in South West Devon. The articles are published here

THE HOME

Last week I set out my plan to review the possible ways that government could address the growing problem of anti-social behaviour by looking at intervention in the home, school, the community and the media.

This week I explore possible ways of dealing with one of the core reasons why some children behave in an unacceptable way, often leading to a life of under-achievement and crime: namely, that they have not grown up in a home in which they receive encouragement and love, security or discipline. I do not know how many children are reared in chaotic homes these days, but I would think about twenty percent. This is not an indictment against single mums – many of whom never asked to be on their own and are modern day heroes. The causes of irresponsible parenting can be manifold and can afflict children from all backgrounds, whether their households have two parents or more.

But the consequences of children never being taught right from wrong, never receiving encouragement, never experiencing consistent loving discipline are plain for all to see. With few exceptions, they arrive at school already out of control and headed for a life of disruption. They suffer; we all suffer.

So what are we going to do about it? Irresponsible parenting often happens because the parent or parents have never learnt parenting skills, having grown up in dysfunctional households them selves. It is now firmly established that parenting skills, can be taught. Serious academics have run courses proving that fact. Witness the explosion of TV programmes like “Little Angels” demonstrating precisely that.

So should we intervene in certain households and try and teach these skills that many of us acquired growing up in more stable households? How can we make sure that the people who would really benefit would take part?

Here is an idea on which I seek your views. What if every new parent, before they can receive child benefit or other state benefits have to sign up for a course of parenting lessons, just before or just after baby is born, a course run by experienced charity workers. The only exception might be if the health visitor who visits all new mums ticks a box to say that a particular household does not seem to need such an intervention. For everyone else: no course, no benefit. This could be the gateway into a range of practical support and advice. Could it help?

posted by Nigel on Monday, June 13, 2005