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Family
Values:
Today’s
Families Diversities
There is no doubt about it; the
modern
day family is different than it was a century ago.
Even the past fifty years has brought about significant change
to the appearance and
structure
of the family unit. With the rise of divorce many
families are now led by one parent.
Single
parents understand the burden, stress, and pressure
involved in raising a family. Many times,
grandparents are actively involved in helping their
children raise their grandchildren. The
single
parent family has helped to redefine the family core
unit in modern day society.
In addition to
single
parents,
grandparents may take over the parenting role
completely. These
family
units are referred to as grand families and they are
becoming very common in these modern times.
Grandparents are vital for keeping
family
values a priority, but many
grandparents never realized that they would be
raising
their grandchildren. There is no question that this
is a hard job for those who are getting along in years.
Finding balance is a growing concern with
today’s
family
diversities. Whether it is the pressures and
financial responsibilities of the single parent family or
overcoming the grief and emotional upheaval of a recent divorce,
to the increasing
challenges grandparents face when stepping back into
the parenting role, families of all types need support and
balance.
It is important that you build up your
network of support. Family members and friends are often the
first place to turn to when you need support. Others may look
to their local communities. One of the benefits of building up
a support network is that they can help you reinforce your
family
values. Instilling
family
values is a very important aspect of parenting and
today’s diverse families may find that they need to find balance
and help in these areas. Since
single
parents and grandparents may often encounter times
when they feel alone, or that they bear the weight of
parenting
single-handedly, the network of support can help
greatly.
Turning to your local community can be an
excellent way to reinforce family values and provide a way of
support for
parents
and grandparents. Your local church is a great
resource that will allow your children to develop their own
qualities and participate in activities while giving you the
friendships and relationships that you need to handle your
parenting responsibilities. Since many
single
parents and grandfamilies may face financial
hardships it is important to utilize resources that are
available for free or at low cost. Some great resources may be
found in local community groups, the library, and churches. You
may even want to find another group specifically orchestrated
for
single
parents or grandfamilies. These groups are an
effective way at reducing stress and tension and having someone
to talk to that understands what you are going through during
the tough times is an amazing tool that will uplift your spirit.
Finally, it is important to realize that
the key to remaining balanced and promoting healthy
family
values in today’s
diverse
families is to keep a positive attitude. If you
remain in good health and have a
positive
attitude your children will too.
Marcia Chumbley is a
work at home mom
and grandmother in Minnesota. She is the owner of a
Christian Work From Home Moms and Grandparents web site at
Faithful
Grannies.com Bringing generations
of Christian
Work From Home Moms, Grandmothers, Parents, Boomers and
Families together while providing resources, inspiration and
affordable advertising while balancing the work at home
experience.
Article source: WAHM
CHOICES .com
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