THERE has been a lot of correspondence and reports in the media recently regarding the behaviour of children and parents letting them down.

What is happening to parenthood these days? Mothers always stayed at home and became home-makers, looking after husband and children, and what a worthwhile job that is.

Everybody is more or less compelled to work these days and children are left to go to school by themselves and also come home to an empty house.

However, I do have some hope, as a family near us consisting of mother, father and three small children under eight are a real family. Another much-wanted baby is due soon and what anticipation there is in the family.

When I asked the mother what her job prospects were when young, her answer was: "Oh I always wanted to be a mother". A mother she is being, with a very polite and happy family.

Hope is not lost.

I really think the answer is that we are always striving for more and more material things at a cost.

Doreen Turner, Thirsk, North Yorkshire.