That was the call on Wednesday from Government Senator Dr. Yvette Swan.

She said 1994 had been declared the international year of the family.

And now was a good time for the community to heal the families throughout Bermuda.

"We should remember an old African proverb -- it takes a village to bring up a child,'' said Dr. Swan.

She added: "It is time for parents to take charge again.'' Dr. Swan spoke during the motion to adjourn debate in the Senate.

She said schools nowadays had become "extended families in our community''.

Today's schools were expected to do much more for children.

Dr. Swan also had a word for single parent families.

She said their problems should come under focus during the international year of the family.