REFERRING to the article covering the work of Thriving Families (Oxford Mail, May 15), I read the comments made by Mr Strange and made the following observations.

Whenever anyone has children, they need to understand that with it goes a whole load of responsibility, and the parenting role is full-time, seven days a week, and that’s what good parents do – they care for their children.

I’m sure, along with thousands of others (including families where both/either parents work), Mr Strange would love the opportunity to have some child-free, quality time with his wife while someone else ‘holds the baby’.

Sadly, we don’t live in an ideal world and I find it truly amazing that he considers himself an “unpaid carer” in his role as father and husband. Surely being unemployed entitles him to a range of benefits, so in reality he’s not “unpaid”.

I acknowledge that I don’t know the details of their personal circumstances, but the comments made don’t resonate well with many.

There are families who genuinely do need the help of Thriving Families to get them back on track, and, in many cases, it’s working well, but there should be a willingness on the part of the family concerned to want to help themselves in the first instance and not rely totally on external interventions.

Mr Strange could well be one of those families, but wallowing in self pity isn’t going to help anyone.

SUE HOLDEN, Delbush Avenue, Headington, Oxford

Today’s letters

Want to give your opinion? Email letters@oxfordmail.co.uk