Parenting: The Pathway to Guidance or Delinquency

Mar 07, 2025 Letters

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Dear Editor,

A parent’s journey is often challenging and situations can become complex, putting either the mother or father in a difficult position. When we talk about “parenting,” we refer to patterns that can be either helpful or harmful, as they significantly influence a child’s behavior.

Editor, it is a necessity for more parents/carers to understand the critical role of parenting, particularly adequate parenting and how this can shape a child’s behaviour.

Juvenile delinquency is a pressing issue in many of our societies. One of the key factors influencing the future of our youth is adequate parental care. In the past, communities were more closely knit, but access to information was limited. Today, with vast resources at our fingertips, we recognize more than ever that the parental support plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s behaviour and opportunities.

The family is often the first line of defence against delinquency. Parents, grandparents, and extended family members are deeply involved in raising children, instilling essential lessons of morality, social norms, and expectations. Children who grow up in stable, loving environments are far less likely to engage in petty crimes. Positive parenting practices, such as consistencies in discipline and correction, open communication, and emotional support, are critical in helping children develop a strong sense of right and wrong and respect. This group of children is more likely to make sound decisions, resist peer pressure, and seek out positive role models.

However, not all families are able to provide this stability. Economic challenges, migration, and social changes have led to the breakdown of many traditional family structures. Despite these challenges, we at ChildLinK firmly believe that creating loving, close-knit family environments is possible, even in households where one parent is present and without the support of extended family members.

Children, like adults, need to be listened to, heard and seen. They have thoughts and emotions that needs to be expressed and shared with someone who will listen and respond with respect and understanding. Many children are afraid to share their challenges with their parents/carers because they are afraid of being blamed, shamed and beaten. A few children shared, “My parents don’t really care if I go to school or not.” More parents/carers need to make the time, whether it’s over an ice-cream at Demico, during breakfast or dinner, or when watching television or simply asking about their day at school, these moments of connection are invaluable. Regular conversations with children just to know how they are doing help children to feel valued and understood, and can prevent them from seeking validation in harmful ways or from individuals who may exploit them.

Parents/carers should know that helping children to establish daily routines for meals, getting to schools on time, homework, and rest/bed time provides children with a sense of security, stability and boundaries.  These basic daily activities help children to develop self-discipline which can help reduce the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviour. Additionally, setting clear boundaries and expectations for behaviour helps children to understand the consequences of their actions and to develop resilience, (strength in not confirming to ‘bad’ behaviour). Encouraging involvement in extracurricular activities, sports, or community groups can help children build positive peer relationships, reducing the chances of associating with negative influences that may lead to delinquent behaviours such as smoking, vaping, substance abuse, fighting, or skipping school.

Children often mimic the behaviour of their parents and those around them. Demonstrating resilience, responsibility, and positive coping strategies in the face of challenges teaches children valuable life skills, guiding them toward becoming responsible and a better chance of enjoying their lives. Adequate parental care and support to children is a strong prevention tool for juvenile delinquency.  Even if you are a single parent, you can still create a healthy family environment. You may not be able to spend time with your children daily; however, children understand this and are more likely to make the best of the time you can spend with them.

Children often recognize the unavailability of their parents due to the hard work required to put food on the table. However, ChildLinK has noted that in many cases, once a child can do small tasks for themselves, such as getting dressed for school, parents begin to reduce their physical support and, eventually, their emotional support as well.

Currently, ChildLinK offers online Parenting Skills Sessions, where we share simple and practical ways to help you be more supportive of your children. If you are interested, please visit our Facebook page, ChildLinK Guyana, for more information. These sessions provide a relaxed and welcoming online space where parents can feel comfortable as we share and discuss what it means to parent in the 21st century and what is needed to do so effectively. Individual support sessions are also available for those who need them. Care, support, and love start at home, rooted in happy and supportive parents.

Sincerely,

ChildLinK Inc.

(Parenting: The Pathway to Guidance or Delinquency)

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