Letter: Causes of, and cures for, criminal behaviour

Sir: It is long overdue for society to re-examine its attitude to working mothers of young children. Over the past 20-25 years it has been insinuated that women who stay at home are odd, old-fashioned, even lazy. However, the early years of a child's life are vital to sow the seeds of love, trust, self-worth (or the lack of them) before the child even gets to school and under the influence of teacher and peer group.

We must value the importance of family life and perhaps, through Child Benefit, extra encouragement could be targeted towards mothers of young children. Above all, society must appreciate a woman's choice to stay at home and do a vital job. Financial necessity is often the excuse, but when costing is done for child care, office clothes, travel expenses, convenience foods, expensive 'guilt' toys and the lack of personal and family time, is full-time work really worth it?

We must act to prevent another generation of hopeless, unwanted and insecure young people. The Jesuit saying is often repeated: 'Give me the child until he is seven, and I will show you the man.'

Yours faithfully,

P. A. ALEXANDER

Ipswich, Suffolk

22 February