Released May 9, 2008

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - 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?

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 http://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.

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http://www.uaex.edu/news/may2008/0509family.htm

Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187, ljames@uaex.edu