Kimesha Walters, Gleaner Writer

POSITIVE Parenting

From the tender age of five, I lived with my six brothers in a quiet district in Clarendon, called Prospect. My mother had left the island for England in search of better opportunities for herself and her seven children and what happened after she left was to change our lives forever.

Parental responsibility was vested in my eldest brother Kevin 'O'Neal' Morgan who was 18 years old at the time. With finances from my mother and a little help from my father he washed, cooked, ironed and ensured that the other chores in the house were done properly. He was well taught by my mother and was firm in instilling in us the discipline she had implanted in him.

O'Neal did not spare the rod and, as the only female in the household, I was not exempted when it was time for a round of beating. We could not curse like the other unruly children our age, as any such action would mean a serious scolding. Every Sunday we had to go to church and school was a must. O'Neal ensured that we did not stay out late at nights as all of us had to abide by his rules.

I was always interested in reading and O'Neal assisted. I remember when, as early as grade one, I used to take my reading book home. Whenever I met upon a word I did not know I would spell it out and he would tell me what the word was. There were times when he seemed frustrated at having to repeat the same word to me but nonetheless, he was helpful. This assistance paid off because during my six years at Prospect All-Age I was placed first three times, second twice and third only once.

Words of encouragement

My older brothers always had words of encouragement for me as well as my younger brother Jemar. Apart from O'Neal, only the two of us went to high school and they encouraged us to do well and not waste our mother's money. They were protective and always imparted knowledge about the happenings in the world. O'Neal migrated to England under a decade later leaving us. Whenever there was a Parent Teachers Association meeting, my brother Trevor, was always there and in his absence, another would happily fill in.

Growing up with males was somewhat of an arduous task and I often wished I had my parents around me. My mother was missed most of all and throughout my childhood years I kept wondering why she had left us. I had all the toys and clothes that I desired but, even with that and six brothers around me at times, I still felt lonely. Looking back, I realise that if she had not left when she did, I probably would not have had the resources to reach where I am now. As a student of the University of the West Indies, I am thankful for the guiding hand that my brothers provided throughout the years.