Dear parents: We love you

November is observed locally as National Parent Month. This is done as a part of the Ministry of Education's strategy to promote effective parenting. To show our support, Family and Religion encouraged various persons to write a letter to parents advising them on how to make their parenting more efficient and age appropriate.

Dear Parents,

As an 18-year-old, I'd like you to know and understand that I'm an adult. I need my space and freedom. I hate not being able to chill with my friends, missing out on memorable moments, and having the feeling that you're always watching me, and wanting to know who I text and so on. You need to quit being in denial. I hate living my life to please you. I need to be happy, and I'm not. It's depressing. I wish you could understand that I'll never make your mistakes.

Yours truly,

Shadeen Edwards

Dear Parents,

I know it's been a long 24 years for you and I know how hard it gets from time to time, so I do wanna let you know that I am grateful for everything you've done thus far. However, as I understand that you're my foundation as I step on into adulthood, I'd appreciate it if you'd allow me to actually become an adult. I get it, I don't pay the bills, nor do I pay my own tuition, but I'm trying here. If you continue to shelter me in, then I won't ever be in the position to.

You see, I see the sacrifices you've made over the years to make me comfortable, and I just wanna be able to do that for you too. All I'm trying to say, Mommy and Daddy, is that I love and appreciate you to the max and, though you do get on my nerves, I wanna make you happy and comfy. I wanna make you proud.

Yours truly,

Asheka Muschette

Dear Parents,

Show appreciation for your child's accomplishments, no matter how small. Let them know you see their strides and you are proud. Be supportive. No matter how old we are, we all need a support system, so continue to be there for us.

Continue to impart your knowledge and experiences so we can learn how to be better, what to avoid and what to pursue.

Respect our decisions. Love us enough to

listen and give advice and correction where necessary, but in all things, show respect.

Yours truly,

Shellesa Smith

Dear Parents,

Please understand that respect should always be a mutual thing. Establishing grounds for open and honest conversation between you and your child should be made priority. Also, using your age as leverage to undermine your child's feelings or views is never right. Give unconditional love, but always be that voice of reasoning.

Yours truly,

Dwight Gray