fAmily

Family – is the oldest human institution.

In many ways it is the most important. It is the society's most basic unit. Entire civilizations have survived or disappeared, depending on whether family life was strong and weak.
Families make up the basis of every society, because they serve three vital human needs found everywhere.
First, the family is the means for producing children and continuing the human race. Second, the family provides for the protection and early training of infants. Third, the family sets up a division of labor so that each member contributes something.

Family Living

• Marriage is the beginning of family life. When a man and woman marry, they make a legal contract to live as husband and wife. They accept the legal responsibility to support and care for their children. 

Home Life. The home is the center of family activities. These activities include caring for the children, preparing meals, eating together, keeping house, playing games, entertaining friends and many other things. Children received their first training at home. The first experiences in the home mark the beginning of education and religion.

Responsibilities. The member of the family have certain legal responsibilities towards each other. In cases of real neglect or abuse the laws impose punishment. In addition the legal requirements, a society expects each member of the family to help the other members. Family living in an adventure of cooperation. Young children can help with such household chores as wiping the dishes, sweeping the floor, or tending the baby. As they become older, their responsibilities increase. Parents have the responsibility of protecting and caring for their children and gradually teaching them to care for themselves.

Problems, big and little are normal part of the process of living together. Most families find ways to solve their problems and to stay happy. But some face special problems that are more difficult to solve, such as the father not earning enough money, the mother being ill for a long period of time, parents continually quarreling with each other, or a child rebelling and becoming hard to handle. Unresolved family problems result in unhappiness and sometimes end in divorce. Many families could solve their problems by consulting a physician, religious leader, or a trained family counselor.

-world book encyclopedia

A FAMILY PRAYER

Lord, bless our family
with OPENNESS
to the real communication,
with SHARING in all our joys and sorrows,
with FREEDOM
to let each other grow,
with UNDERSTANDING
for the gifts
each has to give
and
with LOVE no matter what
no matter when.

AMEN.

-St. Therese religious article