Earn cash today online.info

Family Portrait

Each time you have a family portrait taken, it’s like a moment trapped in time, that you can look to for many years to come. There are various good ideas you can use in family portraits. The age-old shots are still used, but your pictures will be more memorable if you use different settings, with new backdrops. You can have family photographs taken outdoors as well, so that the lighting is more natural.
Your family portrait needs to tell the viewer a story, and reveal interesting things about your family. People who look at your photographs should be able to feel what your family dynamic is like. Become creative in your family portrait, and use themes of festivals or other events that your family may be involved in.
If there’s a theme that your family sometimes follows, reflect that in your family portrait. If you attend conventions of some sort, you can use that as a backdrop for your portrait. The family should like the theme, and be very comfortable with using it in your portrait. You may have your portrait taken at a place you are all familiar with, or in front of a backdrop that evokes memories of such a place. Your family portrait should reflect how close your family is, and what they do together and enjoy. A digital family portrait will last longer and show truer colors, and you can get information on digital portraits at FlashPortraits.com.
If your family is far flung, you might want to create your family portrait in the form of a collage. You can still have each person or piece of the family have their portrait taken, all with a common theme. Then these photographs can be combined into family portrait collages. This is more easily done with all the digital programs that studios can use today.
Be sure to wear clothing that is on-theme and comfortable. You’ll want to look your best, and you’ll look and feel more relaxed if you are comfortable, as well. Family portrait day can be an enjoyable time for you and your loved ones. It doesn’t need to be a day that is dreaded by all concerned. Be sure that your children are comfortable, and that the experience is a positive one for them, as well. They don’t want to sit in one position for a long time, so have the adults organized first and then bring the children into the shoot.
Have a good idea of what you want your portrait to look like ahead of time. This way, the session itself will be shorter in duration. A family portrait can be a time for you and your loved ones to be creative and have an enjoyable time, creating a photograph that will be cherished for years to come.

Tags: Family, Portrait

Family Law

The branch of law that deals with and handles family-related cases and domestic disputes is family law. Family law cases usually involve the nature of the union of two people, the termination of a union, or the issues that arise during a union. Common types of family law cases are:
• Divorce
• Property Division
• Custody/Visitation/Support
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• DYFS Representation

Family Law Cases

The types of family law cases, the possible outcomes, and what constitutes a family law case varies from state to state. You will want to retain a family law lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in the state laws for the state in which you are conducting your family law case.

Your lawyer will be able to guide you through the specific laws of the state and advise you on the possible outcomes and the suggested actions you should take for your family law case.

There are four typical types of family law cases that you may find yourself going through the legal process for:
• The nature of your union: This involves the nature of your marriage, your civil union, or your domestic partnership
• Marriage issues that arise during your union: This involves matters such as spousal abuse, child abduction, child abuse, legitimacy of the children, surrogacy, adoption, dependancy, child neglect
• The termination of your union: This involves divorce, separation, and annulment
• The issues that arise with the termination of the union: This involves child support, parental responsibility, visitation rights, custody of the children, alimony, division of assets, and property settlements

Why You Need a Family Law Lawyer

Family law cases cause great stress and anxiety to all the parties involved.

There are many aspects of each type of case that need attention and certain actions need to be taken in order to get the outcome you are hoping for. Sometimes, there are time sensitive papers that must be signed or actions that need to be taken. With the stress and anxiety of a family law case along with trying to work, comfort children, and keep the home life somewhat stable, it can be difficult to remember to do these time sensitive tasks. Also, you may not know what your options are and what rights you have.

By retaining a family law lawyer, you can have comfort in knowing that someone is on your side and has your best interests in mind. Your lawyer will keep your legal documentation in order and help you remember the important time sensitive tasks that must be done. Your family law lawyer will inform you of your rights and give you expert advise so you can get the outcome you desire.

For more information about family law and the types of family law cases, please visit the New Jersey family law website of the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, P.C.

Tags: Family

Family Get-together haven

Article by Victor Stephens

A one stop center for all families around the globe. A place to find answers and tips to bring up a happy family. Families can write in the comments on any family issues or problems. A site with a potential to become a community blog. Families who need comfort, happiness and peace are advised to visit this blog regularly. Family health and money earning tips are provided for stay-at-home mums and dads. Teenage and young children are encouraged to give their views in the comments. All comments will be answered by blog owner as well as any online family experts. A must blog for all families. A family blog with a difference.It is sad to note that many families face relationship problems. Families are torn apart. Grown up children leaving their parents and moving away, never to see their parents again. Parents too have their own share of problems. Separation, divorce and living apart resulting in broken homes. In such situations, the end losers are the children. The poor children, if they have finished their tertiary studies, then they may lead a respectful life. Otherwise, sad tales will describe them.It is a waste to see a onetime beautiful family in pieces. What are the causes of such sad endings. Causes can be varied. Is it a failure in the family upbringing? Why did the children go astray? Is it because there was no parental guidance? Were the parents too busy with their own thing and neglected their children? Were the parents fit to be parents in the first place?There have been many instances when both the parents are from respectable backgrounds. Yet weaknesses in one of them shows in the later stages. Then there is this big bang and hell breaks loose. The split takes place. The growing children are caught in between. In such situations, the children suffer in grief. They become withdrawn. The most important and trusted people in their whole life has let them down. They cry in deep pain. It’s real sad to see them. Their faces show hopelessness.Cruelty is the word to use. How do we resolve such problems? Can the families from all over the globe meet in one place regularly and discuss these issues. A place where we could also find comfort and advice to build a happy and close knit family.It is obvious that it is not possible to physically come together but it is being made possible for all families to meet in cyberspace. A place is being built and made ready for all families to find all their family needs, advice, peace and comfort. All in one place. Make it a point to regularly visit the Family Haven. It is the right place to spend some rewarding time. It is now an up and coming place, building in strength. Make this a community meeting place. The place is here at http://familyget-togetherhaven.blogspot.com/You can write your comments on any issues pertaining to your family. Share your family happiness with the rest. Give your advice to others who may need it. Get family tips, practical ways to cope with family issues.

Tags: Family, Gettogether, haven

Family Practice Jobs Substantiate The Progression Of Continuous Education In Health Care

Article by Shane Watson

Family practice jobs establish a singular division of knowledge in treatment due to research and direction as an integrative entity. Family medicine embodies knowledge that unceasingly evolves. As a complete system of preventive medicine, your entire family can be provided with wellness care.

Doctors who practice family-oriented medicine possesses an unparalleled opportunity to educate and deliver therapeutic care to parents, newborns, children, teens, and grandparents alike. Family practice treatment centers on addressing case-by-case life time medical needs.

Licensed medical practitioners who specialize to provide health care for a diverse population must complete their formal education. Additionally, they will require three years of residency training that emphasizes on family medicine. The study of family practice comprises multidimensional distinctiveness. It integrates exceptional skills, knowledge, and techniques geared toward family-oriented medicine.

Physicians employed in family medicine have a needed specialization that also caters a higher level of professional fulfilment. They have the ability to determine their schedule in order to consider their personal life and career, unlike surgeons. As a primary care provider, family medicine represents tried and continuous methods of applying health care in its design.

The primary purpose of family medicine is to provide opportunities for patients to understand better ways of maintaining wellness. The implementation of education not only provides remedial measures to prevent a disease but also preserves personal values, such as community service, basic nurturing, unity, and sensitivity to all who want wellness.

Doctors gain insight as to how malady of a single family member influences the wellness of the other members in the family. Knowledge gives healthcare providers perceptual experience of what patients existing health care needs are and how they could be better met. Physicians in family medicine position themselves to study families development as children grow into adulthood.

Undoubtedly, there is much pleasure in observing this cycle of growth and knowing they had a vital part to play. The responsibility to practice medicine constitutes a lifetime of providing medical services to entire families.

Family practice contributes significantly to research in categorizing different maladies linked issues including food preparation and nutrition, public awareness regarding disease, sanitation, impoverishment, labor practices, overpopulation, and varying levels of education. Family medical practitioners can also produce educational books and medical articles supported by their patient care experiences.

People who practice family medicine elect to have long, committed relationships with the individuals they serve. Family-oriented medicine provide protective services that support and educate their patients in the areas of generalized treatment, minor-surgical procedures, pediatric, and gynecological care. Family practice jobs are a collaborative effort between patients and the physicians who care for them.

Typically, there is no commonality between encounters in patient care. Family medicine gives knowledgeable doctors the opportunity to hone their skills in handling ambiguity that appear in standard treatments of disease. Family physicians functions as a template that encompasses teaching, values, and ethical standards of medical practice suitable for any individual in need. Family practitioners also use modern wellness science to assist their patients with well-thought-of trust and dependability.

Tags: Care, Continuous, Education, Family, health, Jobs, Practice, Progression, Substantiate

Family Practice Jobs Represent Multifaceted Health Care

Article by Shane Watson

Family practice jobs offer a fulfilling practice of medical specialty that includes general and pediatric care. Family practitioners deliver initial care for infants to senior citizens. A general practitioner who treats all the family members diagnose and treat an extensive selection of conditions.

Typically, they suggest yearly health checks and screenings including vaccinations age-appropriately. Commonly, doctors in family medicine may be certified in other specializations like training in holistic or alternative medicine, gerontological medicine, holistic, or programs designed for medical and emotional care of the terminally ill patients. Whenever a patient does require particularized assessment of care or hospitalization, family medicine practitioner arrange coordination of care, authorizations and specialist referrals.

Family practice of medicine covers all members of the household. This approach of health care offers several advantages, like the value of being able to obtain an overall look at the family as a whole. Numerous families choose to deploy just one doctor for all their wellness concerns.

Time-honored medical practices that furnish healthcare foundation for the family tend services that may include basic involvements, such as multi-specialty treatment comprising pain management, chronic respiratory disease, consolidating medical specialty, HIV/AIDS care, osteopathic medicine, preventative medicine, and women’s health care. Family Medicine dedicates skill and use of the knowledge, mental attitude, and sciences necessary for the forward motion of all over wellness strategies reasonable to treat disease of the head and body.

Doctors pledge to giving consideration to persisting in, universal, individualized assistance. Professionals in medicine agree that rapid detection and management of infection may be paramount in the prevention of disease. Family medicine can be effective only if patients take responsibility for protecting their wellness.

The practice of medicine can be based on educating patients about the essentials of family health-related matters. Family physicians understand the prevention of ill health is more effective than matching wits in order to overcome sickness. Patients having a family doctor is not just favorable; it is capable.

When families can seek health care in one location, it provides an unparalleled value. Family doctors familiarize themselves with the health matters of the entire family is likewise sufficiently abreast of the healthcare history everyone in the family. Family doctors, as a whole, focus on distinguishing serious problems.

Families receive intensely personal medical care with the use of conservative, as well as original concepts in curative care.A lot of families believe that consolidating their health care records in one spot is a real advantage. The purpose of health care is that the entire family can be examined at the same practice, so that any across-the-board issue development can be managed effectively and with expertise.

A family-centered healthcare program offers a bearing on the organization including a doctor who can bring about full therapeutic care. Family practice jobs may be fated to become an essential resource for families, as well as individuals through education, counseling, and high-quality services. Family physicians are in the capacity to teach their patients how to make intelligent decisions about how they preserve their wellness.

Tags: Care, Family, health, Jobs, Multifaceted, Practice, Represent

Family Reunion

Family reunions are a growing trend.

Gone are the days when families live close to one another, carrying out the family tradition, looking after the business, the farm or other ventures. Family gatherings are held on special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays or anniversaries.

We live in a highly mobile society. Families can be spread out all over the globe, literally. Technology has made communication so much easier between families. But nothing can replace the personal contact that comes with a family reunion. That once a year get together leaves precious memories for all to cherish.

But, there is more to a family reunion than just getting together. It is important to plan to the minute detail to ensure a successful get together. It is a great help to communicate these details to those who are expected to attend.

FAMILY REUNION PLANNING:

It can be simple, it can be complicated.

It is your choice.

WHO IS ATTENDING
It is a family reunion- but which family? Parents, grandparents, siblings and their children, grandchildren, in-laws, cousins- the list can go on. Some of us have extended families that can include very close friends, no blood relation but still considered family. It is important that attendees try to be compatible, congenial and pleasant. No one wants an atmosphere suffused with tension. It is neither the time nor the place to carry excess emotional baggage. Anyone who can not feel comfortable in such gatherings should give this event careful consideration. Families are genetically linked, but at times, that’s the only common thread. Family reunions give families a chance to feel out one another, and be accepting, accommodating and understanding.

There is no room for nit picking and pettiness. Discover what makes your ‘coz Tippy tick! Be sure to circulate around and get to know everyone.

DATE and PLACE
Set a date ahead of time, so everyone who wants to attend can make plans accordingly. Choose a location that is accessible, acceptable and comfortable.

ACCOMMODATION
For those who have to travel a distance, book accommodation ahead of time especially during peak tourist season.

BUDGET
Unless money is no problem, everyone who wants to attend the reunion can budget for this event to include travel, accommodation, food and fuel and allow extra mad money. Don’t forget an emergency fund- just in case.

ACTIVITIES
How do you plan to spend the time with the rest of the family? Some of them you may not have seen in ages. Children especially need to be kept entertained. If possible, leave technology behind. If the reunion is to be at a place surrounded by Nature, like a park or a lake, this is a great time to introduce the little ones to Mother Nature. Take this opportunity for everyone to bond. Fill the time with quality, real quality. Play together, swim together, have fun together. Bring your own gear like fishing rod and bait, life jackets, and other paraphernalia.

For adults, it is not the time for binge drinking. Excessive alcohol intake can be disastrous. No one wants to attend to a drunken relative. It is not fair to the rest of the group, neither is it a good example for the younger ones. Some activities can be spontaneous- guided by the elements that surround you. What do you do if you are rained out?

What games are appropriate for the occasion? Bring your board games and other toys. Unless you are in an isolated area, be courteous to the neighbors. Keep the noise like music down.

FOOD PREPARATION, MENU PLANNING:

Is it a one-meal get together? Is it a full day or a few days? Do you plan a dine out, a take out, a cookout or catered? If you are renting a place, check out the cooking facilities. You may consider bringing a barbecue grill. Anyone with specific food requirements, like vegetarians, diabetics et al must come prepared. Communicate to all the food allergies of anyone in the group.

Should everyone decide to make a dish- make sure there is a variety, communicate so there is no duplication. What food would your young ones prefer? What is your budget for the food?

KEEPSAKES/ MEMENTOS/ DECORATIONS
What keepsakes are good and for whom? How much are you willing to spend? A family reunion is not about splurging. It is about sharing precious moments.

THEME
Do you have a theme in mind to make the event memorable? Theme T-shirts are popular. In our family, we had flags nailed on the balcony to represent the different nationalities that have become part of our family through marriage.

MEDICATIONS / FIRST AID KIT
Always be prepared, especially if there are children, elderly and sick ones.

PICTURES – LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Most important are those pictures- they say it all. Bring your camera, make sure you carry enough batteries or chargers.

With proper planning, a family reunion can be a most memorable event.

Tags: Family, Reunion

Preserving a vibrant family life as a pastor or person in ministry

Article by David Guerrero CLC, BCC

Pastors in America struggle to meet the needs of their churches and, at the same time, those of their own family. Pastors will, at times, be torn between what, when, and how to choose between church and family. The same is true for most people in ministry.

As the pastor in a district that has three churches (and we are planting two more), and a husband and father of fourI know firsthand the struggles pastors in a multichurch district face when it comes to the tension between work and family.

Family life alone presents its challenges, but it just gets that much harder when the pastor has more than one church. However, I have found that, if I have the right attitude and approach to ministry, family life can more than just survive. Over the last ten years, I have picked up a few simple principles that have given me rewarding success as a family man and a district pastor.

Your First Church

As a multichurch district pastor, you must perform ministry from the principle that your family is your first church. A person that puts family first will not only receive the honor of God but will better gain the support of their spouse, children, and the churches themselves. When one outwardly places their priorities in the right order, that person will gain the respect and support of those around them.

Every call I have been offered in ministry started with an interview; first with administration, then with the church body. During these interviews I have made clear the priority I place on family. I am the right man for the call, I have said, if they are seeking a pastor whose family stays as a priority in his ministry.

I have found that churches and administrations who accept a pastor who places family as a priority will support that pastor wherever they can. Also, churches seeking a pastor whose family comes first are working churches, open to sharing ministry with the pastor.

Lastly, these types of churches will respect and protect the pastor?s time. If you are feeling the tension between family and church, then sit with your family, church, and administrators respectively. Tell them your desire to put family first, and I can almost guarantee that you will get the support you need.

Use Technology

We live in an age of computers, mobile devices, cell phones, messaging services, etc. All these can save us time. Maximize the use of these gadgets to your family?s advantage.

For starters, when working on your schedule, why not schedule time with your family on a daily and weekly basis before you plan anything else? I have an IPod that I use to schedule all my appointments. It is very helpful.

Here?s how it works for me. As part of my planning, I schedule time and events with my family first, and do this with my IPod. I have daily, weekly, as well as monthly ?sacred? times and dates set for each one of my four children, as well as my wife.

This works most beneficially in four ways. First of all, my family becomes part of the planning process, as we sit down together to accomplish the task of completing my schedule. This way they feel like they are part of my ministry as they see how much I value them. Secondly, they take part in assisting me in planning the right time, event, and place for spending time with them. Thus, they anticipate (with joy) the time we will be spending together. Thirdly, when someone calls asking for an appointment with me that cannot be classed as an emergency (and believe me, I make sure it is an emergency), I simply look at my IPod and schedule them around my prescheduled time set aside for another commitment. Lastly, it will give your family deeper appreciation and respect for your work as they see how you are attempting to balance your ministry in a respectable manner.

Time Management

When it comes to my family, a practice that works for me is that I set aside one hour a day for my wife. We spend this time together, alone, where she and I just sit down, relax, and talk about God, life together, the children, and our future. Pastors, who can?t even begin to express how crucial a good marriage is for their ministry, need the support of their spouse, and spending time with them is essential. Secondly, we have daily set times for family worship. I say that ?a family that enjoyably worships together grows together.? Thirdly, I have set times throughout the day and week for each child where we come together and connect. Finally, we have a family day once a week. We, as a family, spend time alone together. Lastly, we set dates and times to do ministry together for as we work in ministering together, God has a way of bonding our hearts as one.

With all that in place, I then can do the work of the church, but I do it around my family. That?s what priorities are all about.Learn to say ?No?

In ministry, we are tempted to say ?Yes? to everything. This approach to ministry can ruin your family life. We must realize that we are just one person, and we cannot do everything.

Learn to suggest alternatives for ministry to your congregations. Learn to delegate responsibility. Take the time to train, teach, empower, and encourage others to do ministry. Not only will this give you more time with your family, it will give them the opportunity to enjoy the blessing of serving others.

Over the years, I have learned that my responsibility was not to take care of everything in the church, which I was prone to do, but to allow the Lord to lead. I needed to get out of the way and allow God to work through the body of Christ. I did not need to micromanage the ministry of the church. As a result, life has been better for me, my family, and for the church itself.

Conclusion

Because of the importance of family life, God desires that a minister?s family life reflect His abundant power. As a result, we must seek His way in our family life. As we place family on top of the list of ministry, we will experience, as well as manifest, a powerful witness of His grace. As we utilize today?s technology to help manage our time, we will experience the refreshing balance that tends towards positive relationships. As we delegate responsibility, which in reality helps others grow and experience God?s power in their lives, we will see individuals, as well as our churches, mature and grow.

Tags: Family, life, ministry, pastor, person, Preserving, vibrant

Family Therapy: Addressing Conflicts

Article by Andrea Avery

While it might seem idealistic these days, it is very possible for you and your family to live happily ever after. However, this can be easier for some families more than others. If you family needs a little help, don’t be afraid to see a family therapist. Family therapists are trained in ways to help families sort out their issues without feeling like they are actually in therapy.

There are several areas that a therapist can address in family therapy; it does not always have to involve all members of the family. One of the more common issues that are addressed in family therapy is parent-child relationships and conflicts. These issues are very common and can become more complicated as the children reach adolescents and become more rebellious; this could also be caused by the unit’s inability to communicate overall. It is very common for them to have difficulties in resolving some of these conflicts on their own and family therapy can help address these issues in a number of ways. First, family therapists are trained in opening the lines of communication. Family therapists are also trained in adolescent development. This can be helpful to the parents in understanding the issues that their children may be going through. Many times, this aspect of family therapy is focused on conflict resolution. The therapist will first listen to the issues that both sides may have with the other, and then clarify them so that each side understands the conflict. Sometimes, for an issue as simple as parent-child conflict, only a few sessions are needed for both parties to resolve their issues. This is especially true if the therapist can thoughtfully outline the issue they may have, and then recommend some exercises to do at home that will help.

There are other more sensitive issues that can be addressed in therapy. Many families are coping with issues regarding addiction, mental health, or family violence. Likewise, if the family has gone through a life-changing event such as a divorce or death in the family, family therapy can help the family as a whole cope. Conflict resolution techniques are much more simpler to address, therefore, family therpy for these issues may be a little more in-depth.

It is not always easy for families to get along. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to psychotherapy, and many families do not understand that there is a tremendous benefit in seeking outside assistance to address any conflicts. This therapy can be beneficial because family therapists are trained in the family dynamic and what it takes for families to communicate and cope with any conflicts.

Tags: Addressing, Conflicts, Family, Therapy

Why Are Oak Kitchen Tables Good For Families?

Article by Mark Glendale

Oak tables are being made to endure throughout the years. Families used the oak tables at meal times to catch-up on what happened during the day in each other’s lives. The families grow up, but the old oak tables are still around waiting for the next family get together.

The talks at the table become a family tradition for many families around the world. They would laugh and cry together as they relived events in their lives. No other piece of furniture is used for family time like the kitchen tables. This is a tradition that needs to be brought back to life in some families. But, first they need to find some kitchen tables to bring their families conversations back to life.

The family will need to get a table that is big enough for all those family members to sit around at each meal together. So when you go to choose oak kitchen tables, you will first need to know how big of one you need. They come in different sizes to meet the needs of any family size. You can even get a table custom made to a design you choose. This will become one of the most favourite places for your family to meet; so getting the right table is essential. The table will need to be durable to last through generations of family reunions.

Can you just imagine your family sitting around one of these tables drinking tea at the holidays? Oak wood is one of the strongest woods you can get for a table. Just like the oak table is strong, so can your family’s relationship be when they bond together at one of these tables. The family can sit and really visit with each other, or they can play games at the table; either way they will be reconnecting as a family. Families have grown apart because of the busy lifestyles they all lead, but the kitchen table can bring the families back closer together again.

The oak tables are a beautiful centrepiece for any kitchen. The oak is a piece of wood that is elegant as well as being useful. This type of table will be perfect for your kitchen if you want to create an atmosphere of relaxation. No matter what kinds of cabinets are in your kitchen, there is an oak table to blend in with them. A good quality made oak table does not need a lot of extra attention which leaves you free to enjoy the more important things, such as your family. A sealant can be used to protect it from stains; this is especially important if you have children. Or, maybe you might like the rugged and used look with all the stains and marks to remind you of those days when the family sat around the old oak kitchen tables.

Why would an oak kitchen table be good for your family? They add beauty and value to your home, and are a piece of furniture that will be used over and over again throughout the years to come. They are not something that you will just throw away; they are a part of the family. The memories that were made throughout the years while sitting around the old kitchen table cannot just be forgotten. They will last forever; and the table will endure for a long time too. More time is spent in the kitchen than any other room in the house; why not make it the most memorable room with a beautiful oak table to last for years? So gather the family together for a family meal or game, and start reconnecting with your family and their lives.

Tags: Families, good, Kitchen, Tables

Family Values

Article by David Beart

What are family values? When politicians leap to the podium and begin talking about restoring family values, which values are they talking about? Family values can mean many things to different people, and so leaving family values in the hands of politicians means exactly what?

Some attribute family values to the basic biblical principles while others focus family values on discipline and the responsibility factors of becoming an adult. Many people claim that today’s parents are too soft on kids, and that society has become over sensitive to children. Some believe that spanking your child in public is a parental right while others believe that spanking is abusive and teaches fear and violence. Who is right?

Some interpret the meaning of family values to be the value of family, as in traditional families with a mother and a father and the family dog. Others interpret family values to mean the value of family, the value of providing children a warm safe place to learn and to grow, to return everyday from the world and know they are loved and learn to be responsible adults.

By interpreting family values as a definition of family, of what others believe is the “right kind” of family, who are we hurting? We certainly aren’t hurting the adults of the family. When we point to a single parent family, an inter-racial family, a homosexual family, or any family that someone’s imagination decided wasn’t the “proper” family, and we abandon their right to be considered a family, it’s the children who get hurt. The children’s self esteem and identity in the world suffers, and the children learn to hate each other for the decisions their parents have made.

Family values are supposed to be out the quality of the family. That means principles of love, tolerance, acceptance, responsibility, safety, and the family’s ability to do the right thing while out in the world and under their own roof.

Family values lay in the hands of every individual family, and whether or not they exercise their ability to give to the world positive and effective influence. Every day people have the power to teach their children positive influence or negative influence. Every day children have the option to either be positive forces or negative forces. Families with strong family values are those who motivate their children to be positive forces in the world, and who lead them by example.

When politician make promises of restoring family values, how exactly is it that they propose to get into the head of every parent and affect them enough to teach their children to be stronger, better, and kinder? By telling them they aren’t the “proper” type of family? Family values are up to each individual family, not the political system. Family values are free choice, and while there may be those who oppose the values that some families possess, there simply isn’t room for the open criticism of families that defy the nuclear familial definition.

The instant a judgment is determined that creates a “right family” and a “wrong family,” opposition heats up, defiance and cause oriented protesting begins, and people get so lost in defending their right to be a family that the basic code of family values becomes lost on both sides. Attacking people for loving their children because they do not fit a political frame work is in fact ridiculous. Political decisions and political values tend to appeal to only one sector of the community.

By allowing the government to decide what the correct moral code for family structure really is, we are handing our basic freedoms right back into the hands of governmental policies. Our freedom of choice, freedom of speech, and freedom to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are all placed in dreadful jeopardy the instant politicians define a family.

There is no denying that there is a crisis in the United States when it comes to family structure. But the crisis is not one that is intermingled with white Christian politics. We have one half of the country too busy trying to make enough money to make ends meet and provide food for their children to be home to discipline their kids, and we have the other half recruiting the help of reality television to teach them how to discipline their own children because they don’t know how. Society has become so sensitive to over disciplining their children that parents are being beaten up by their 5 year olds, and doing nothing about it. I am certainly not advocating beating children. Nor am I one to claim that spanking solves disciplinary problems. But I do believe that family values comes down to teaching children right from wrong, no matter how many parents are in the household, what color they are, what their income level is, or how many of each gender there are. Discipline is a form of teaching. Teaching children right from wrong and the obvious consequences that go along with doing right and wrong is sorely lacking in our society. That is an issue parents, not the government, need to address.

Tags: Family, Values