Re: `Youth activities’ editorial (The NEWS Jan. 30). Having raised three kids in Parksville from ages 14-18 (to 2009), I figured I should contribute my opinion.
My three were involved in sports and music, up to Grade 8 which kept them busy and out of trouble. In high school, we moved from Nanoose Bay to Parksville and each of them worked a part-time job after school and weekends. When you don’t buy them everything they want, they’ll work. There’s one value taught by parents.
The second value is the value of property, your own and others. This starts at an early age learning to respect your sibling’s stuff. This value teaches you not to litter or break things or steal.
I believe some youth have lost some core values as Kim Burton stated. Let’s not paint youth with the same brush. The majority I believe are on a path of contribution and success. Many, including my three, left Parksville for bigger cities after high school. Parksville is a retirement/tourism town, so people shouldn’t be so shocked that families leave and schools must be closed.
Recently I’ve been reading about youth and risk taking. They all seek it and we’ve protected them so much that they don’t have this need met. Some parents may think we need more planned programs for youth in Parksville. I disagree. On the Island we have a perfect natural environment for hiking, biking, climbing, swimming and running — all free and good for your health.
Occasionally, we see youth who get into trouble. Has this changed since you were a teen? There are always a few and it should make us sad but it shouldn’t surprise us. In the old days, the parents would bring those boys to the owner, make them apologize and then make them clean up the mess — the good old days.
Rhoda Perron
Parksville