Married, with three children - one boy, 13, and two girls, ages eight and one:

"It is true, in a lot of cases but not in all circumstances. It depends on the social and economic situations.

People in the upper class are usually less stressed financially. Parents in a depressed community have to fight for survival, they are running around, doing several jobs to make ends meet.

They are not spending time with their children, and since their daily life is a fight, they, at times, pass on that frustration to their children.

It is important to spend quality time with the family. Love is not just a display of affection, it is the spoken word and the attitude you show towards your children that matters."

Forty-three, data entry operator. Single mother of two daughters, 24 and 15:

"I agree with this statement. Many children come from single-parent households. Most of the times (when the two parents are in the household), they fight with each other, it's war. The children hear, suffer and face consequences of this situation at home. When the parents do not have love themselves, they cannot show any to the children.

We see that some parents are taking their frustrations out on their children. I read that a father set his son on fire. If you cut and beat up your children, how do you expect them to show love?"

Security officer, married withone son:

"Love is not the problem. It is the environment that has changed. Show them all the love but it still does not work. They learn things from school and their surroundings.

The children don't have good role models like we did when we were growing up the old-fashioned way.

They have access to a lot of things, like cable TV. They get to watch things that they should not.

Almost every teenager wants to be a rapper. How can you expect them not to be aggressive?"

Married and has three boys:

"Parents need to sit and talk to their children and tell them that they love them because children feel that lack of love at home and are aggressive. I think, however, that there is love in some homes but not in other places. But at times, the parents also need to be aware of how they talk to their children. If children are told that they are bad and they cannot do things, they grow up thinking that something is wrong with them."

Single mother with two sons,10 and eight:

"It is a statement of fact to some extent. As a parent, if you don't show them love, they will seek attention and do things to attract attention, which can lead to aggression.

They give back what they receive from home, therefore, it is important that we care for them and show them love and affection.

Parents have to show interest in what their children do as this contributes to what happens in school, after school and beyond.

I have to steal time to be with my boys. I take them along wherever I go.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com

HAVE YOUR SAY: Should mothers be held responsible for boys who become criminals? Visit www.gleanerblogs.com and let us have your views on this issue.