As Bermuda continues the struggle to regain its economic footing in a world where competition has become ferocious in the quest to gain a piece of the global financial pie, focus could easily shift from issues such as raising children to become positive citizens.

Otherwise, the vulnerable may fall prey to destructive elements, which are ever present in the shadows of community life.

It is always encouraging to see and hear stories of young people striving to make something of themselves, by going that extra mile, endeavouring to attain success — not only for financial gain, but also to become an asset in helping to build a stronger community. That is a positive Bermuda needs in looking to the future.

Unfortunately, in the midst of the glow and glitter associated so much in modern lifestyles, the attention needed to mould and build a young mind to meet the challenges of life can fall short, opening the door for problems that go unnoticed and making correction extremely difficult later.

It is most important that, during the very early years of child development, the connection between child, parent, or guardian should be well established to keep a good understanding of the key principles and values required to negotiate life’s many paths.

When conditions make it difficult to build and maintain that connection, through work schedules or other commitments, it could be detrimental to a child’s progress.

Children need close attention, especially with negative distractions crowding their world, enhanced by almost unlimited material of all types, streaming from modern communication technology. A crack in child and parent relationships could allow the wrong signals to take root.

I am reminded of the baby zebra, who seconds after being born must first see only the mother’s stripes to establish what could be a life-saving bond. Without that vital link, the newborn could have an early demise by mingling with the wrong pack, where crucial feeding and protection are lost.

However, the human experience is not usually that extreme. But when a close relationship between parent and child is weakened for whatever reason, the ball of life could roll in the wrong direction — and danger signs missed could blossom later into problems.

The recent airing of footage on television allegedly showing young people fighting, along with a clip said to contain a child using foul language, is disturbing.

It was not clear to what extent this type of behaviour exists in our communities. This behaviour should never be dismissed as children having a little fun. That could be the view until something terrible happens.

Family Centre, which exerts a great deal of energy in emphasising the need for parents to be more accountable in raising children — whether it is a two-parent or single-parent household — is aware that modern-day stress through economic pressures could be a contributing factor in creating communication gaps in parent-child relationships.

On the other hand, it should be noted that parents from previous generations were confronted with many problems, social and economic, and were able to effect strong parenting.

This was mostly because back then discipline and respect were values held as paramount in family life. This was the case even during the period of institutional racism, which stifled progress towards the freedoms most of us enjoy today.

The point here is that there is really no excuse for negative behaviour by some of our young people, who one day will be parents themselves. Unless children are taught early about proper values, they will be in no position to pass on values they do not possess. That would be sad indeed.

It is not a question of anyone being perfect; it is a question of recognising that our future would be brighter with stronger parenting, supported by good values.

With the Cup Match spirit still very much in the air, we should all remember to keep our eye on the ball of respect, decency and discipline in guiding our young people.

Losing children is never an option along the road to success. No one would throw away a diamond — and a child is far more precious.