KNYSNA NEWS - Whenever we observe a day in support of a cause, a concept or an institution, we aim at drawing attention to its concerns. But in the same sense we also attempt to strengthen actions and practices that would lead to a better quality of life.
In 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed that May 15 shall be observed annually as the International Day of Families.
This day showcases the significance and highlights challenges experienced globally by families. The goal is to give Family Day the same distinction as other celebrated days, which are more commercialised, and to focus the attention on the significance of families as fundamental units of humanity.
Why do we celebrate Family Day? What do we want to achieve? In the hectic pace of modern-day life, the role of the individual has become more pertinent as opposed to the role of a collectivity, like a family. Families have evolved. Gone are the days when the family only consisted of Dad, Mom and two or three children.
We now have blended families, single-parent families, gay-parent families, adopted families, child- and grandparent-headed families. All the families mentioned have their unique strengths, challenges, and potential.
As individuals, possibly the most important thing we can do is to promote a sound family life because so much of the negative behaviour we see is rooted in disrupted and unhappy families. If we can begin to stabilise and enrich our family life and reaffirm values of caring and responsibility, we will have contributed something of immense importance to the future.
A good family life contributes enormously to the wellbeing of its members. It is linked to psychological satisfaction and happiness, and to a sense of personal security. It also promotes physical wellbeing and health and is associated with longevity.
Having built a strong family, we need to look out and build bonds with neighbouring families, breaking the barriers of race, colour and religion. A network of families becomes a strong community. Healthy families mean a healthy society, and “healthy” means a safe place where all members are made to feel significant and respected – where thoughts, feelings and needs can be voiced without fear.
A healthy family is a secure environment where children can learn how to handle conflict and manage relationships, where they can make mistakes and still know that they are loved. A healthy family is a place where there is a balance of love and limits, where the boundaries are clear and consistent, there for protection and growth.
Family is about relationships. Relationship is about love and affection, service and gratitude, respect and understanding, learning and helping, sharing and feeling, trusting and confiding. It is about giving and receiving moral support in times of challenge; it is about reassurance in times of doubt; it is about holding a hand in the face of uncertainty; it is about consolation in the face of a calamity. It is about sharing a joy, a joy which has no meaning in solitude.
Erosion of family values undermines character. Strengthen the family and you eliminate the crime. Conversely, a cohesive family builds character, commitment and self-worth. A child that grows in a loving family is likely to be a good citizen. Strong families build a strong nation. Therefore the challenge before us is how to preserve the traditional values of the family without dampening the spirit of individualism.
Let us live together as a family and when we do, let us communicate. Let us share beyond the material things, share feelings, joys and concerns. When we live far apart, let us meet and when we meet, let us eat together, talk and listen. Born as individuals, we must remember that each of us is an essential part of a natural and supportive institution – the family!
Family SA (Famsa) is in the family business and each person is part of a “family”. Several programmes can be of benefit to responsible and caring members of the community. These include:
• Marital counselling for those who want to enhance their relationships;
• Parenting training for those who take being a parent seriously and want to be the best they can for their children;
• Men’s workshops for those who feel they want to meet with other men, to support one another in meeting the demands of balancing life and acquire the necessary skills for being a positive life partner and father;
• Women’s programmes for those who need guidance and assistance in fulfilling their roles, despite many challenges.
Famsa can assist with the tools that one needs to be able to be an effective partner and parent.
* Contact Famsa Knysna on 044-382-5129 or Plettenberg Bay on 044-533-0515 for more information and to start building a stronger relationship in your family today.
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