Learning about Family and Community
Research shows that positive family interactions can play an important role in a child's healthy development and positive outlook. Yet, these are "trying" times for families on many different fronts. Increased work stresses, financial concerns, world changes, technology advances and an overwhelming selection of entertainment choices-all "pull" on family members' time and attention.
Although families are unique in their composition and beliefs-there are common elements that can strengthen them and help provide environments in which young children feel empowered, protected and happy. These include supporting the ideas that: families are a key source of love, protection, and identity for their members; all families have strengths and differences; and families are the building blocks for neighborhoods and communities.
Mr. Rogers' on Family
Families come in all different shapes and sizes. Even people who are not related by blood at all can make up a family because they love and care for each other. And that's what is really important about families. When people care for one another, they have a sense of belonging - of being related to each other, even if they are not blood relatives.
There are many ways to become a member of a family. Being born into a family is one way. Marrying into a family, or being adopted are other ways to become part of a family. When children are adopted, they sometimes need reassurance that adoptive families and stepfamilies are like other families and that their moms and dads care for them, the same way other parents care for their children. -- Fred Rogers
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There are many different kinds of families. Just look around your neighborhood or at your friend's families. This is the time of year when we celebrate mothers and fathers. Mother's Day is in May and Father's Day is in June. Whoever makes up your family, be sure to tell them you love and appreciate them (even brothers and sisters) and not just on their special days.