Of course I wanted to learn all about the typical Jamaican family and one of the first things I learned about their heritage  was the special bond that exists between families, and that is what I really wanted, our family seemed to be missing any and all bonds and so I wanted to learn before it was to late to try and get that back.  Don’t get me wrong, Jamaican parents are very strict by nature and learned from an early childhood to urge their children to excel academically and athletically.  They are also usually very fun loving and tend to be very involved in all phases of their children’s lives.

Jamaican parents remain a constant guiding force in their children’s lives well beyond adulthood and believe that you are never too old to be scolded or be given advice.  Also the siblings are taught togetherness and looking out for each other even though sometimes the children might be taken care of by nannies or “helpers”.

If there is help in the home, a Jamaican child is still expected to do chores just like our children like making their bed, setting the dinner table or even washing he dishes.  No television is allowed during the week when school is in session.  I think that is an excellant idea!  So much more gets accompolished when there is no inteference from the television.  They are also not allowed to cavort around town or idly “hanging out”.  Another good idea! The Jamaican children are huge fans of skateboarding, and almost seems to be national past time. Many adults also use skateboards as a means of primary Island travel. I saw many crates full of blank skateboard decks that were distributed among some of the Island natives.

I learned that in Jamaica, not only do parents keep an eye on their children, but the neighbors and friends always seem to take great interest in each other’s children.  Thus helping to keep them safe and sound.  I like this idea very much.  Jamaican families are a tightly woven family.  So if you are unkind to one member of the family, the rest of the family empathizes.  Even when the children grow up and decide to embark on a new life as a husband or wife, the families still preside over their interest and well-being – kinda reminds me of the old saying of the Musketeers, “One for all and all for one.”