Giuliana

Dear Madam,
====The article about family values was very interesting and the statements the writer made about the decline of family values are widely shared in our society but, unfortunately, not a matter of real concern.====

====In the last few decades our society has changed rapidly and the kind of behaviour which was considered appropriate and polite in the past, is now regarded as out of fashion or, worse, ridiculous. In fact, if we observe children's behaviour, we can easily see that most of them do not even know the basic rules of good manners. Good manners are not old-fashioned behaviour, they are a way to show respect for other people. Unfortunately, it is very common to see children behaving badly even towards their own parents who, instead of scolding them, do not react or even look proud of their behaviour!====

====Another value which was considered fundamental by families in the past, was hard work. Both adults and children were expected to work hard and not to waste too much time. Children had their homework to do and used to help their parents doing easy chores. Nowadays, only adults seem to work hard not in order to satisfy their children's needs, but to pander to their every whim with the debatable result that parents are more absorbed in their work and children become more and more spoilt.====

====Also the traditional family as a unit seems to have almost disappeared and has been replaced by the so-called blended family. In fact there is a dramatic increase in the number of divorces and many people get married twice or more.====

====In conclusion, I think that parents should be more aware of their roles as educators, they have a great responsibility towards their children, they should teach them the fundamental values on which family is based: love, respect and cooperation.====

Yours faithfully,
Giuliana Bimbatti

Giuliana