Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

A Salute to Real Fathers

Monday, June 13th, 2011

  Deborah Brown

As we draw near to Father’s Day, I’m grateful my Dad is still with us. Now that I’m older and have a family, I often reflect on my childhood and how difficult life was for my parents raising 10 children. I think about the numerous sacrifices they made every day so we wouldn’t have to go without. Even more remarkable is the fact that our Dad was the only breadwinner. My Dad didn’t abandon us or his responsibilities like so many fathers do when times are tough.  Because of this, I salute my Dad for being a real father. (more…)

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Global Recession and Family Structure

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

by Samuel L. Brown, MSW

Is the current economic crisis destroying the structure of the American family?

Throughout the history of America, the family as a social system has served as a primary unit for meeting the basic needs for love, acceptance, approval, warmth, security, protection, and spiritual guidance. As one of the most basic institutions of a democracy, the family must continue to function as:

  • A social environment for the loving and nurturing bond of family relationships, where children first learn how to love and be loved.
  • An environment where children learn the difference between right and wrong, and how to get along with others
  • An environment where children develop a sense of personal identity-emotionally, psychologically, socially, physically and spiritually.

It is within the family structure that most individuals develop a sense of a self-identity. The family is the foundation of true democracy and continues to be one of the best institutions for producing responsible and productive citizens. (more…)

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The Importance of Family Reunions

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

by Deborah Brown

As I sat with my eyes glued to the television, watching the funeral services and the many documentaries regarding Senator Ted Kennedy’s life. I could not stop thinking that through all the Kennedy family’s tragedies, disappointments, and struggles they were still connected. The Kennedy family appeared to be a strong, supportive, and  loving  family. I wondered,”What held them together? Was it their love and devotion of family? Was it their faith?” (more…)

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