Yes, times have changed since Karen Wicker and I were being raised in the '60s. The drug culture has grown, the media sources have adversely affected the morals of our youth, and the clothing industry has promoted suggestive clothing for young children and teens.

Thanks for Wicker's column (The Pilot, Nov. 26), expressing how important parents' role is today in nurturing their children not only in their early years but throughout their whole childhood in order to foster good self-esteem and help them make good decisions.

Wicker certainly provided another wake-up call for parents to be aware of what their kids are exposed to and to do something by being good role models, teaching good values and encouraging them.

Cynthia Weeks

Pinehurst