After many decades of adjusting and revamping our educational system, it is still worryingly unclear whether what we have will ensure that the next generation is fully equipped to meet our ever increasing challenges.Emphasis is placed on what is being offered in the schools, and certainly progress has been made in this area, with dedicated teachers and some of the latest technology in place to keep in step with modern teaching techniques.But none of this is any use without discipline and the structure and order that are critical for teaching.Learning begins, or should begin, in the home. What young minds are exposed to in the very early years, usually determine behaviour patterns for years in the future. Children are more likely to take their cue from what they hear and see from adults around them. If they hear abusive and foul language and witness fights frequently, such conduct will seem normal.Make no mistake, academic education is a major factor in achieving success in a fast changing and competitive world, but a child needs to be prepared.We cannot toss discipline and respect out the window as outdated,and expect positive results. The recent no holds barred address on this subject by Corrections Commissioner, Edward Lamb ,was what is often referred to in court rooms as a short, sharp, shock. In a sense it was a wake up call to Bermuda, that parental responsibility is paramount if we are to save our communities.When we lose the family, we also lose the foundation of our community infrastructure, and what follows is an anything goes society, where the law of the jungle rears its ugly head.We are already this with violent crime and anti social conduct increasing. This, despite pleas from politicians, community leaders ,and various groups, to end violent acts mostly associated with gang activity ,and the underworld of illegal drugs.I heard someone say recently that the ball of discipline and respect was dropped so long ago that we have forgotten what the ball looks like. Without discipline and respect, solutions to youth problems seem out of reach. Unlike years ago, today too many parents are quick to defend their offspring, even when they know they are in the wrong. Very sad.There are those who complain about the old days, in fact some are having a hard time letting go of sentiments from the unacceptable social conditions of that period. However most who lived through those days, black and white, knew that community-type parenting was very much a factor in steering many young people in the right direction. Surrogate parenting crossed racial lines, and was a supporting pillar to our family infrastructure.A multitude of distractions and conditions today are usually blamed for dysfunctional families and emotionally disturbed young people. While it is accepted that pressures of the day create challenges in trying to raise a family with good values , it should never be used as an excuse for falling short.Decades ago many parents struggled against awesome odds, to maintain and promote family values that would stand the test of time. We need to teach our children that doing the right thing takes courage and the ability to stay focused even during difficult times.A good example of staying focused was demonstrated by the Tuskegee airmen during the Second World War. These brave black fighter pilots were assigned to protect American bombers on raids into Germany. The bombers had white crew members, but in the air no one was concerned about skin colour, especially when German fighters appeared.After a heated battle in the skies over Germany that claimed lives on both sides, when the Tuskegee airmen flew home it was at a base away from the bomber squadrons to avoid social contact. Despite this racial barrier, many of the bomber pilots were so impressed with the Tuskegee airmen in combat that they specifically requested the Tuskegee airmen as escorts on missions over Germany.These Tuskegee airmen knew doing the right thing under difficult circumstances would stand the test of time. As one Tuskegee Pilot later put it: “We had a job to do, and that was all we focused on up there.” Had they allowed social negatives that existed, to dominate their minds, those American bombers would have been sitting ducks for the enemy. We can learn a great deal from that.We have an opportunity here in Bermuda to embrace a new day in doing what is right ,especially in preserving important family values. Much of this will depend on what we teach our children from the cradle. Discipline, respect, and dignity should top the agenda. The future of Bermuda is at stake.