In the News - May 2008
Focus on family relationships during National Family Month
LITTLE ROCK - For most kids, family is their single most important support
system. National Family Month was created by KidsPeace and is celebrated
annually from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day.
It is a vital event that reminds people of the importance of family
involvement in raising healthy, confident kids.
What can parents/caregivers do to make their families stronger?
Dr. Wallace Goddard, extension family life specialist and professor with the
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture says, “One of the most important
things is to make family life a priority. If we think of family life as an
interruption or intrusion, we won’t be bringing our best to our families. If we
make family time regular and positive, we will be surprised how our lives
improve.”
Building trust is a vital way to make a family stronger. To build trust, the
key is for family members to be open to each other. They will inevitably
disagree - but they can still work together to find common purpose, Goddard
says.
Parents are the backbone of a family. In order for parents to build a strong
family, they may also need to strengthen their marriage. Visit
http://www.arfamilies.org/family_life/marriage/ to see a great marriage
curriculum.
Children liked to be loved. Goddard says family members can show love and
care for each other by trying to understand each other’s feelings and by showing
kindness. See another great resource at:
http://www.arfamilies.org/family_life/parenting/loveland.htm.
For more information about family life, marriage, child care or human
development, please contact your county extension agent or visit
www.uaex.edu. You can also check out the
National Family Month Web site at:
http://www.familymonth.net/ or the KidsPeace Web site at:
http://www.kidspeace.org/. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the
U of A Division of Agriculture.
May 9, 2008
By Rhonda Conner
For the Cooperative Extension Service
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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