Building Family Strengths

These are stressful times for families. Most families face difficult strains on time, money and emotions. Sometimes homes become the place where everyone is worn out or angry. But, in spite of these difficulties, there are ways for our families to remain strong and happy.

What makes families strong? Researchers who have worked on answers to this question for years have identified nine strengths. These strengths suggest a guide or map for us to follow in creating our own, unique, healthy family. The strengths can work in all types of families.
MORE!

Inner Workings of Families:
What role does the family play in the success or failure of a child? A research project was recently launched to examine how inner-family life can help children flourish – or flounder. “We know marriage matters, we know parents matter, but we want to examine how families matter. “The goal of the ‘flourishing families’ study is to gain a better understanding of family processes and how these processes specifically impact whether families are doing well or struggling.”More here!

Fathering:
How does religious belief and involvement facilitate strong father-child relationships? If a father believes that his children are spiritual beings with divine origin, purpose and potential, then he believes a power greater than himself is involved with his children. Religious beliefs typically encourage the view that human beings and family relationships are sacred and thus profoundly important.

If a father believes that God has called him to care for, protect, provide for, teach and bless his children, then fathering becomes sacred service for God, not just a social role. If a father believes that family relationships are part of a divine plan, rather than simply the result of social convention or biological destiny, he will more likely commit to and work toward strengthening those relationships. If a father believes there is a loving God who will provide him divine assistance in his efforts to raise his child, then his faith can provide courage to overcome life's challenges.

If marriage is seen in sacred--not just social--terms, then likely marriage will be highly valued, promoted, and supported. Since the divorce rate of highly religious couples is significantly lower than that of the general population, and since research has shown that married fathers are much more likely to be responsible fathers, religious faith strengthens marriage, and this in turn strengthens fathering.

_______________________________________________________
This Month's Recipie: "Good For You...Candy" !
1 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. honey
1 c. instant non-fat dry milk (or more as needed for desired consistency)

Mix peanut butter and honey.
Add instant milk until you have a dough-like consistency.
Roll into balls and place on wax paper or press into pan lined with wax paper.
Cut into squares or roll into log shape and cut into thin slices.
Store in refrigerator or freeze.
* May also add: nuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, chocolate chips, etc.
For more recipes visit www.cookingforboys.com _______________________________________________________

Body Bouncing
By: Sanoviv, visit www.Sanoviv.com

Our health is determined by many factors, including diet, toxins, genes, stress, thoughts and emotions, and the amount of physical activity we get. Research has proven that the benefits of exercise are cumulative and that physical activity is absolutely essential for health. Unfortunately, we have become a nation of couch potatoes. Even our children are sedentary—physical play has been replaced with television and video games. In fact, 60 percent of our adult population is sedentary, both professionally and recreationally, and about 25 percent of Americans engage in absolutely no exercise whatsoever. Did you know that this level of inactivity virtually guarantees disease? We are not getting enough physical activity to stay healthy, and it is having a profoundly negative effect on the health and productivity of our nation. (more)

I'd like to Make A Donation

"Strengthening Families"!
(About us)