SO DAVID Quarrie is not surprised at the expulsion figures for the York area schools (Poor Society, May 5). Without knowing figures for the rest of the UK, I can not compare these, but am fairly certain they are rocketing, as are incidents of children behaving badly everywhere.

In school and out, children prove just how truly dreadful they can be and we, each and every one of us, suffer as a result.

However, I disagree completely with David's second paragraph, in which he believes that any Government can bring about desperately-needed changes.

His assertions that today's parents have never known discipline and that young people have few decent role models say it all.

Women whinge about "better child care" as though this would solve everything. Substitute "mother love" and you are nearer the truth.

With no strong, decent, respected live-in father figure, what young boy can learn how to behave, and without a mother who looks for marriage and a secure family life how can young girls know the difference between loving, lasting relationships and irresponsible one-night stands?

There is no such thing as quoted recently in a national paper as "loving neglect", ie mothers who care so much for their children that they are allowed to eat what and when they like, take no exercise except using a keyboard or TV remote control, and believe that the world owes them a living.

Loving mothers do not cram children with fizzy drinks and junk foods and turn a blind eye to their activities - they care enough to guide and discipline.

Children learn by example, almost from birth, and the abysmal state of society is proof that too many home lives give no decent example at all. Instead of women quoting "I'm worth it" they should try giving the next generation what they are worth - love, security, and decency.

A change in the female psyche is what is required, not Governmental changes, but pigs will definitely fly before such a transformation takes place!

Heather Causnett,

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick,

York.

Updated: 09:52 Saturday, May 13, 2006