Celebrating the
Home is truly where the heart is for most of us; it is our safety net, our cushion, our restorative hub. It is where we learn our basic values and gauge our sense of identity. And without this many of us would feel lost.
It is at home with the family that the core lessons of life are usually learnt and it is in acknowledgement of this importance that the second National Family Week promises to be bigger and better than before.
National Family Week - Bringing the nation’s families together
As a result of a successful 2009 campaign where over 4,000 events took place across the country, National Family Week will be back for a second time between 31 May and 6 June 2010 to mark a celebration of the family. The key role of the week is to highlight the enormous part families play in society when families spend quality time together.
Families will be encouraged to play, learn, eat, read, and be active together with a series of exciting events, huge giveaways, competitions and a load of special savings to make life that little bit easier. Themed events that have been pencilled in so far include family picnics, story time sessions, and a sports day; all supported by charities, community groups, schools and statutory bodies. Families are also encouraged to arrange their own events.
foundations will set a child up for life
Whatever you decide to do, the highlight will be on strengthening family ties. As wife and mother of 3 boys, Sally Gunnell OBE, Olympic Gold Medallist said: “The family is so important to the development of our social culture. Growing up, if I hadn’t received the love and support from my family who knows if I would of achieved what I did. Now, being a mum to three boys I want to give them the same”.
“ ”
Solid family
14 17 May - 4 July 2010
Family
It seems the rewards are plentiful for both the family and community, by taking that small step away from the frenzied pace of life to enjoy the simple pleasures; spending quality time with the most important people.
Making the most of family time
So, why is family time considered so important?
Solid family foundations will set a child up for life. It will give a child the sense they belong somewhere, that they are valued, wanted and most importantly, loved. These fierce bonds and values, if nurtured throughout childhood, and beyond, will give a strong family identity and will give a child a healthy self-identity. If these fundamental values are in place it doesn’t matter what shape or size a family comes in - be it a single parent family, a conventional family or a family with stepchildren.
Quality family time can be enriched in a number of ways; eating meals together, spending time playing games and reading to each other, partaking in a joint activity or sport, cooking and preparing dinner, or watching a football match or going to the theatre together, for example. By simply ‘being there’, your child will see this as a sign of care and it will be a bonding process in itself. Remembering every award ceremony, birthday or achievement is worthy of a healthy acknowledgement and is a good reason for a communal reward. Plus, of course, don’t forget that the payback for good parenting is a child who usually becomes a well-adjusted adult who wants to spend quality time with their elderly parents!
Log on to
www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk for further information including details on how you can take part. Look out for the searchable map on the website to find out about events and activities happening in your area.
The wider picture - the community
A step beyond the family threshold will extend to a wider social culture or community. Over the years, it has been well documented that community ties have weakened, as neighbours become ‘passing ships’ and work commitments keep parents away from the home. Yet, similar to a strong family unit, people who live in a strong community, however diverse it is, will pull together to help one another in times of need or will make positive changes to the neighbourhood.
Everyone, including the children can positively get involved in society. Looking out for elderly neighbours, respecting different cultures, helping fundraise for a community scheme, organising a summer fete or Christmas Fair are some of the activities that will draw people together with a shared aim. A mutual respect of the diversity of the people will only add to the success of the community.
For centuries, The British Isles has been home to a multi-cultural society, accepting a varied mix of people with different cultures and beliefs. In time, there has been a full integration between the Scottish, Irish, English and Welsh, not failing to mention the Anglo-Saxons, Celts, Vikings and Normans. And this is no different to how community is now, except once again the people, cultures and beliefs have changed.
A happy and prosperous community is often based on the mutual respect of this diversity, and indeed a blend of mixed views and experiences can enrich the education of others.
KirstyWoodgate
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24