Supporting families is at the heart of our work. There are many different types of families including single-parent, stepfamilies, same-sex couples, foster and adoptive families raising children. All are important building blocks of our community as they nurture, raise and support our children.
National Families Week runs from 15 -21 May and is an annual celebration of Australian families, acknowledging that community wellbeing is enhanced by family wellbeing.
To mark National Families Week 2022, we are sharing some tips from our Building Stronger Families education course, designed to help you and your family build and maintain stronger connections. You can also share these tips from our Facebook page here.
Be a leader
You can do this by making rules. Include your child in making rules when appropriate, ensuring that they reflect your values. Rules should be specific and easily understood. Stick together as parents and support your joint decisions, ensuring that you incorporate rewards and consequences. Doing this will foster feelings of safety in your children.
Be a role model
Children learn by watching and imitating, so it is important to show them the preferred ways of behaviour, through your actions and words. Take time to encourage each child, listen and talk to them. Tell each one what you appreciate about them.
Expect change
Families should expect change. It is the mark of all healthy families. It is normal to experience resistance and it is recommended that families take one step at a time. Draw on outside help when necessary.
Learn to recognise problems within the family
Having a problem you don’t know how to solve creates stress which can be the signal something new is needed. Ask for help within the family and encourage each other to speak about difficult issues. Talking helps clarify problems, however family members must listen carefully to each other, acknowledging all feelings, thoughts and fears.
Commit to solving problems
Tackle one problem at a time and involve everyone that is affected. Make a plan - state the problem, write the result you want and list all possible solutions to get the result. Decide together on the solutions to implement. Finally carry out the plan. Make sure to re-evaluate to check if the plan is working and get outside help if the problem continues.
Reach out for support
All families go through ups and downs. If you or your family could use a little help, we offer many services and courses that are available to everyone. Find out more by clicking here.