Our featured writer today is Sherry Park of Dillon. This National Board Certified educator is the assistant principal of Fairmont Middle School.
By Sherry ParkGone are the days for most families when the bread-winning father works from 9:00 to 5:00 or from sun to sun while the homemaking mother stays at home and cares for the children. For many households these tough economic times mandate a two-income home, leaving parents to determine how best to meet the financial needs of the family while spending quality time as a family unit. The frustration of trying to balance the vital tasks of work and family has become overwhelming to some, causing them to be ineffective or negligent in one or in both areas. There is no magic cure or one-size fits all solution; however, balancing family and work is possible through the use of several very basic strategies that have been utilized for generations. One of the simplest and most effective ways to balance work and family is to simply sit down at the breakfast and/or dinner table to discuss the events of the day, past memories, or future plans. Many parents will argue that they do not have time or that they or too tired after a hard day’s work to prepare a meal each day. However, more important than the quality of the meal is the quality of the time spent validating a child’s self worth which occurs when parents are willing and ready to listen to what the child feels is important. Over the process of the child’s life, he/she may not remember the hamburger helper that was served for dinner, but he/she will always remember how special he/she felt when he/she shared a special moment with his/her parents or when his/her parents praised him/her for a job well-done; neither will he/she forget the advice or reprimand from parents who were there to listen in both good and bad times.A second vital and fundamental way to balance work and family is to go to church together on Sunday morning as a family. In addition to heightening a child’s spiritual awareness, attending church is an opportunity for parents to demonstrate and instill many of the values and morals in their children that are missing in our materialistic and self-serving society. Again, some parents will argue that they do not have time for church because Sunday is the only day that they have to rest. However, the time spent teaching children values and morals is indelible. The God conscience mindset that develops when children are taken to church helps them to make sound decision when their parents are away at work; and it determines, to some degree, who they will become in life.Balancing family and work is not always easy; however, with our personal determination and the help of God, it is possible; and if we are going to continue to be a productive society, balancing work and family is not optional. Failure to balance work and family may result in our children suffering increased crime, violence, and immorality. Quality family time is the key.
If you would like to participate in writing about women’s issues, please e-mailbf@thedillonherald.com, and we will send out the monthly topic. The topic each month will also be posted on our website at www.thedillonherald.com.
