NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. "The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt

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May 4, 2004

Putting Your Family First

Your time is valuable, so are your children.

The family today is in crisis.  The reasons vary from family to family.  Recent trends have been identified as the root causes of dysfunction and disruption.  One of the major trends is single parent homes.  While many may nod their head in agreement, it’s not the definition you think.  It is the failure of one parent in a traditional family to have an active role in the upbringing of the children.

The road to success is often viewed by the possessions you have or your status in the world.  It is the desire to keep up with our neighbors and those of our peers. It is the quest to have a castle versus a home.  After all, isn’t a home the people who live there?  Which concept applies; spending time with your children or is time money?

Children require food, clothing and shelter which are defined as needs.  Anything else in a material sense is a want which is driven by advertising.  While the fulfillment of wants is beneficial for happiness, it is not a necessity.  Emotional interaction and nurturing is.

Many children are often afraid to discuss their personal problems with their parents. Those who trust their parents are more likely to do so.  The only way to provide the latter is to spend quality time with your children.  This will strengthen your relationship, impart your values to your child and create a bond of trust.

When a child becomes an adult, what do they remember the most? Look to yourself for the answer.  Do you remember the times you went with your father or mother fishing, to the movies, camping, bowling, or playing checkers or do you recall the many times they were too busy working to spend time with you? You have your answer.  Do something before it’s too late.

Your home is your children.  Put your children first.  They don’t need a castle, they need you.