The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer LAST WEEK a concerned Bahamian called into a radio station to share her views on solutions to the crime problem. Her plan had nothing to do with changing the government, increasing police presence in communities, or even the permanent institution of the death penalty. Her solution concerned parents and how they socialise their children. "Its impossible to erase crime completely, but if parents would socialise their children, teach them the norms and values of society, right and wrong, there would not be so much teenagers robbing and people committing terrible crimes," she said. The caller's views reflect the popular biblical found in Proverbs 22:6. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Christian faithful Maria said the jury is still out on the truth in the word, because "you have children who were brought in the right way and still went astray". However, she told Tribune Religion a good upbringing cannot hurt. If parents instill in their children a solid belief system, it will act as a moral guide when they get older, said young mother Michelle Taylor. "I think this a very true proverb. I think it is very important to raise your child in beliefs that you have because they will always remember the values you instilled in them. And when they grow up, even if they lose their way, they have a moral compass, to help guide them back to the right path." "When I was in college I went a little wild and I always felt guilty because I know that was not the way my parents brought me up. Sometimes I felt guilty for not going to church because I know it was a big part of my life. So whenever I felt guilty I went to church," said Michelle. Father of three, Thomas Johnson, told Tribune Religion: "As parents we are obligated to guide our children in ways that are right, true, noble and good. This is a very important part of parenting. We at the same time must also keep our children from ways that are destructive, harmful, false and evil. We cannot delegate this responsibility to the Sunday School teacher, church or any other institution. We are the parents and God called us to take full responsibility over our children."