Central Florida Celebrates National Family Week 2009
by Reed Markham
11/19/2009 — A great educator, David McKay said: “No other success can compensate
for failure in the home.” Another great educator, Harold Lee observed: “The
most important work you will ever do . . . will be within the walls of your
own home.” Floridians are joining with America to celebrate National
Family Week, November 22-28.
National Family Week is also a time to show our appreciation to our
Nation's military families. We recognize their sacrifices, and we pray for
their loved ones in the Armed Forces who are laying a foundation of peace
for future generations. We owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and
women who have answered the call to serve our country and their families
who support them.
Edward Schor, author of “Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages
5-12 observed: “Children in their middle years treasure their families
and feel they are special and irreplaceable. Families provide children
with a sense of belonging and a unique identity. Families are, or
should be, a source of emotional support and comfort, warmth and
nurturing, protection and security. Family relationships provide
children with a critical sense of being valued and with a vital network
of historical linkages and social support. Within every healthy family
there is a sense of reciprocity - a giving and taking of love and
empathy by every family member.
Families are much more than groups of individuals. They have their
own goals and aspirations. They also are places where every child and
adult should feel that he or she is special and be encouraged to pursue
his or her own dreams; a place where everyone's individuality is
permitted to flourish. Although every family has conflicts, all the family
members should feel as though they can express themselves openly,
share their feelings, and have their opinions listened to with
understanding. In fact, conflicts and disagreements are a normal part
of family life and are important insofar as they permit people to
communicate their differences and ventilate their feelings.
The family instructs children and gives guidance about personal
values and social behavior. It instills discipline and helps them learn
and internalize codes of conduct that will serve them for the rest of
their lives. It helps them develop positive interpersonal relationships,
and it provides an environment that encourages learning both in the
home and at school. It gives children a sense of history and a secure
base from which to grow and develop. Yet, as important as these
functions are, they do not happen automatically. Every parent knows it
takes hard work to keep the family going as an effective, adaptive and
functional unit.” Success in families takes lots of hard work,
cooperation and planning.
Central Florida families can honor National Family Week by:
*Assisting their neighbors during these tough economic times
*Encouraging employers to develop family friendly policies
*Spending an evening together with their family once a week
*Connecting with family who live away from home
*Promoting family values in their community
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