I write in response to the letter 'Best 'gift' for under-achievers (Young Post, February 3).
I agree with the writer's opinion that students' homes should be a safe haven and that students should be able to turn to their families for support. This should be the case even when they have done badly at school.
Children do not necessarily perform better if their parents punish them. All that happens is their hearts break and they cry. Punishment upsets young people, and they won't want to go to school anymore.
They may even fall into a deep, dark hole and feel they are worthless.
But a caring attitude can make them feel better after the failure. Knowing they are loved will make them want to try harder and improve.
Failure may cause heartbreak, but love and care can act as glue to fix the problem.
Mak Wing-yan, Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School
