Importance of Family

Happy New Year!

We all hope you had a great Christmas break and a fruitful start to the New Year.

Friday last week, we had one of our staff’s daughter come over for a visit. She was to get a ride home with her mother who also happens to be my colleague. While we were all catching up the father (who also works with us) waltzed in the room and broke into a song. We were all in stitches laughing our heads off.  Well all, except the daughter who was turning red due to embarrassment.

One of Africa’s celebrated leaders, Bishop Desmond Tutu once said that you don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you and you to them. There is also an African proverb that says one can choose their friends but they can’t choose their family. No matter how embarrassing they are you will always be related to them.

Family is a very important part of the society. It’s what makes the society.

Why is family that important?

Family is very important as it shapes our development and personality. The family protects your dignity and takes care of your well being. Family also gives us teachings that guide us throughout our lives and this are the values we carry everywhere we go. In addition, your family comes to your aid during hard times.

Dr. Wilson in his article ‘The Family Unit and its Importance’ describes the family not only as the basic. It is also the basic sexual unit, the basic child-raising unit, the basic communication unit, and the basic all-round fun and friendship unit.

I recently learnt that people with good family relationships live longer and cope better with stress. Good relationships also enhance the body’s immunity.

Good relationships in a family do not automatically happen. One has to put some effort into it just like any other relationship.  This will require one to find the joy, love and balancing time with them.

Great relationships in a family are based on how you feel or your attitude. Your attitude basically determines what you get in life. It determines how you will react to those around you and how to handle various circumstances in life.

I believe that no matter what your family is like, your attitude towards they will determine what kind of relationships you will have with them. Remember this unit of life called family will shape your personality and affect your development in life.

Think of it, if you have a lousy attitude you will get a negative family relationship. If you choose to love your family despite their shortcomings and accept them just the way they are, then you are certainly off to a great start in life.

So here is a challenge for this year. Treat your family differently. Call them more frequently and not only on the holidays. Arrange mini-coffee dates. Kiss your wife or husband more often. Pat your kids on their back and whisper you love them in their ears often.

Tell me what happens. I surely will.