Give them attention

7:32pm Thursday 28th August 2008

I refer to your article, Estate joy at tearaway ban (Oxford Mail, August 22).

The problems this youngster has caused so many people could have been prevented from happening.

It is obvious to teachers and authority carers very early in a child's life, even as young as three, if they will grow up to become a problem to themselves and society.

Too much is lost when children of such tender years are not given special and personally felt attention, not institutional and impersonal care that does not touch enough to change.

Government and local government need to give vast amounts of time, energy and money to nipping these problems in the bud, not wait until a child's life, and too often many others around them, is irreparably damaged.

Nothing is more able to change a child's life and an entire family than just one responsible, responsive adult reaching out a hand of encouragement to a young child over a hobby or practical interest the child truly loves.

Too soon in each child's life the schools and governments want to link the idea of earning money and quantified results, but the true need is to allow each child to develop a positive and individual identity within their home community.

Margie McGregor Hordley House Wootton Woodstock