To those privileged enough to form the future from the beginning,
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been blessed to enjoy a pretty balanced population over the course of our history, maintaining general population equality between an older, wiser generation and a more vibrant, youthful demographic. This balance has historically nurtured a culture of mentorship, mutual respect, and a strong sense of community — hallmarks of our national identity.
Unfortunately, recent observations suggest a troubling shift among our youth. Increasingly, common graces and the respect that once defined intergenerational relationships are disappearing, often being replaced, unknowingly, by offending social cues. Closer to home, some youth can identify the “baddest” van on the road or recite the latest inappropriate song lyrics word for word, yet struggle with their academic performance. This trend is concerning not just for the culture we are fostering today but for the long-term identity of our nation. Moreover, it’s disturbing because of how quickly it’s becoming a part of the DNA of these youth.
Let me be clear: this is not an attempt to dismiss or diminish young people. I have no interest in tired tropes like, “These kids don’t know how good they have it” or “Back in my day, we’d never get away with that.” As a young person myself, I know this narrative does little to solve the issue. Moreover, it overlooks the countless youths who are excelling in business, media, and international affairs, many of which were highlighted just this past weekend during the Prime Ministerial Council on Youth Excellence Awards.
Still, the patterns of underperformance and erosion of a socially conscious society reflect a deeper, foundational gap that must be addressed with urgency. Our youth need more than critique; they need guidance, investment, and platforms to thrive and primarily, that starts at home. Not every child is fortunate enough to grow up in a stable household, and not all parents have the resources to provide the very best for their children at all times. However, there are invaluable contributions that cost nothing but time this article aims to offer practical advice to parents and guardians to help preserve the core values of respect, mentorship, and ambition. These are the principles that have carried us as a nation through generations, and they must remain central to the fabric of St. Vincent and the Grenadines if we are to go further.
At the core of this message is a simple yet powerful plea: Raise your children! Far too often, I’ve seen children as young as two years old spending hours in front of screens, absorbing explicit music videos or scrolling through social media. Every image they see, every word they hear, and every interaction they engage with shapes their developing character and worldview in profound ways. It’s crucial that we, as parents and guardians, take an active role in guiding their exposure and experiences.
Social media platforms, music artists, and the internet cannot and should not take the place of parental guidance — especially not unfiltered or unmonitored. Take a moment to reflect: if we truly listened to the lyrics of some of the songs we sing along to, would we still want our children to internalise those messages? Imagine your young daughter singing lyrics like, “When mi batty clap me proud of myself.” Let that sink in. That goes beyond creative expression or artistic genius, it’s a glorification of deprivation for the sake of attention and in support of the idea of “feeling good”, but to what end? How do you want people to view your children? People will interact with them based on how they present themselves. Don’t let their self-perception be formed by others financially-driven personas.
I’ve been blessed enough to be put in positions where I can mentor and guide young people in some of the worst periods of their life. Based on what I’ve seen and heard, here are five other pieces of advice I’d like to share:
Teach your kids how to treat others
The world we live in operates and functions on the social currencies of trust and respect –intangible yet invaluable assets that cannot be easily substituted or manufactured. To inspire others to believe in our goals or align with our objectives, we must first connect with them on a human level. Sometimes, this connection is as simple as showing respect; other times, it requires the depth and vulnerability of love. Social graces have the power to open doors that wealth or influence cannot, because at their core, people yearn to be seen, valued, and understood. Life derives its richness from the relationships we cultivate — those we appreciate, journey with, grow alongside, and share experiences with. Teach your children to respect everyone, to love with both care and fullness, and to give generously — often more than they receive. These lessons will not only shape their character but also prepare them to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Teach your kids to revere God
Over time, the recognition of God’s importance in our society has quietly diminished. While you can’t give your kids God, you can guide them to acknowledge, know, and respect him. The belief that a being greater than ourselves created us with purpose and worth instils a sense of meaning that transcends self-interest. By respecting God, we shift from ego-driven living to a confidence rooted in humility, recognising our shared humanity and equal standing. This perspective reminds us that life is not a competition but an opportunity for each of us to contribute meaningfully to a greater purpose in this game we get to play.
Teach your kids to live for more/seek better
Today’s youth are facing what could be described as a pandemic of purposelessness — an affliction where many simply exist to get by, surviving rather than thriving. This mindset is further exacerbated by the social and economic realities of limited opportunities for meaningful employment or personal development across diverse fields.
We have a responsibility to inspire our children to create dreams and to pursue them with determination. Encourage them to explore different sports, activities, and careers, and to engage with subject matter experts who can broaden their horizons. Provide them with the space and support to envision a future for themselves. The vision may evolve, that tends to happen, but reassure them that they are capable of attaining whatever they set their work to. Too often, I see young men, in particular, settling for mediocrity — dangerously confident that where they are is the best they can achieve. But there is always a better place to strive for. Embrace the suck along the way, understanding that temporary struggles are stepping stones to growth. Teach your children to live with purpose: to wake up each day with a reason to exist, a vision to achieve, and the determination to make a difference—whether in their own lives or in the world around them.
Teach your kids to earn to live
Many young people today shy away from work, particularly in agriculture, due to the perception of it as “slave labour” — gruelling, intense effort with little immediate reward. This mindset is often reinforced by social media, which glamorises stories of young “self-made” millionaires and perpetuates the hustle culture narrative: the idea that if you’re not grinding 24/7 now, you’ll miss out on success, never for it to return. At the heart of success though, in any area is effort. Instead of simply working hard, we now know enough to balance working hard with working smart; both are necessary to gain and maintain substantial progress. Teach your children that hard work isn’t just about building something tangible — it’s about cultivating a mindset. This mindset fosters self-respect, resilience, and the ability to truly appreciate the fruits of their labour. By instilling this understanding, you equip them with the tools to navigate life’s challenges and find fulfilment in the process of striving toward their goals. And if all else fails, they can buck up and keep the ship sailing.
Teach your kids how to manage money
Many of us grow up without learning the basics of personal finance — how to manage loans, credit cards, or investments, or even how to leverage debt effectively. To build lasting wealth rather than temporary comfort, it’s crucial to educate your children about financial systems, both locally in SVG and internationally. Teach them the value of money and, as they mature, introduce concepts that help them see money as a tool to achieve goals, not as a lifeline for survival. Early financial literacy lays the foundation for future success. Give them opportunities to try it for themselves and watch it in practice.
I hope these tips encourage you to reassess the value you have as parents and consider who you want to create as you’ve been given the opportunity.
Daniel Burgin
The opinions presented in this content belong to the author and may not necessarily reflect the perspectives or editorial stance of iWitness News. Opinion pieces can be submitted to [email protected].
Daniel, you have written a brilliant article for everyone to pay attention. Keep up the good work that you are doing. May the good Lord continues to bless you each and everyday.
Another well written, practical and cogent overview of pointers that will set the you g person on a path to sure success. Keep up the good work Daniel. Your insights and well written articles have great depth and they take on greater significance because they come from the good and godly heart of a model youth. Thank you!