Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

Oshane Warren and his proud mother, Carlene Warren. - photo by Sheena Gayle

Western Bureau:

Teaching your child to always do the right thing never gets old-fashioned, especially for Carlene Warren, whose son found $59,000 recently at his school and gave it to his principal to have it returned to its owner.

Warren, a mother of two boys, reasoned that she was not surprised that her youngest son, 17-year-old Oshane Warren, who attends the Holland High School in Trelawny, made the effort to return the wallet filled with $59,000.

My grandma taught me

"I grew up with my grandmother who taught me honesty and I've passed it on to my sons. I always tell them not to grudge anyone for what they have and take anything that don't belong to them," the matriarch told The Gleaner on her method of successful parenting.

Carlene recalled the day when her son came home and told her that he found some money at his school, but this news was met with a firm response from her as she asked Oshane if he had returned the money. To her delight, Oshane reassured his mother that he had, in fact, turned the money over to his principal.

While several persons were quick to heap praises on Oshane, Carlene revealed that there were others who believed his actions were foolish. In light of the negative responses, she said, "I felt so proud of my son and I encouraged and supported him because he did the right thing."

Oshane, who is a member of the prefect body at Holland High School, revealed that it was the values and attitudes instilled by his mother and the institution that guided his judgement and decision on the matter.

I made a pledge

"It was important for me to return it (money) because my mother always tells us not to take what is not ours. In addition, when I came to this school, I made a pledge with the prefect body that I will serve, protect and follow all the principles of the school," the 11th-grader noted.

POSITIVE Parenting

Carlene's suggestions to other parents are:

✓ Always teach your children proper values and attitudes.

✓ Be confident in their judgement to do the right thing without supervision.

✓ Support your children's decision (once it is the right thing) even when it is an unpopular choice for others.

✓ Don't curse your children, listen to them.

✓ Exercise parental guidance so they are able to make the right choice when it counts.