We live in a very interesting time. 

And when it comes to young people, they are struggling with many challenges, especially the issue of identity and knowing who they are at home.

Talamatavao Motu, a 67-year-old father from Faleasi’u, knows this very well.

“Our youth have changed their behaviour because of how parents have raised them,” he told the Village Voice.

“I see that children have no manners at all and no respect for their parents.” 

 “Some of them don’t even want to listen to what a father or a mother says because they have that mentality of thinking they know everything.”

Talamatavao believes that gone are the days where everything was easy and children knew the boundaries.

“Back in the days, there was so much more in the relationship of a parent and a child. Respect was given to our elders and now what’s happening today?”

“The youth are just high minded and talk back to their parents.” 

This is the change I see and I don’t like it. 

Talamatavao said that this life not only comes with changes but also with challenges.

 “Our youth are like this because we, the old generation, have lost our respect and our belief for rules that are supposed to be there to guide these children’s actions.” 

“We are Samoans and we always believe that to teach our kids to obey, it’s not just through words but also through discipline.”

 “That is the Samoan way back then. If children don’t listen, they are disciplined.”

“The government should look into this and come up with programmes that can help shape the lives of our youth because the way I see it, most of our youth are just wasting their lives away.”

 “Nowadays, they say any child has the right to make their own decision but to me, that doesn’t sound right.” 

“If they are still children and in their youth, decisions should be made by their families.” 

“This is why God created parents to teach and make decisions for their children while they are still young.” 

 “It’s the only way to shape the kind of people they are to become in the future.”

Talamatavao went on to say that it’s not too late to turn back the clock and bring back what has been lost. 

 “We can save our youth and if we do, I promise you that this is a big help to the future of Samoa.” 

 “Our youth needs to be taught with appropriate manners and the right behaviour.”