National Family Week emphasizes family's importance

Nov. 18-24 is National Family Week.

It is a week to call attention to the important role families play in communities and society. I recently heard a researcher, Dr. John DeFrain, speak at an extension conference about the importance of strong families in a society.

Dr. DeFrain is a specialist in family and community development at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He has traveled to 18 countries to study the differences in families, but reports finding "striking similarities."

Families, their homes and environments may look different but their basic values -- a desire to be together and care for and support each other as a unit -- are similar.

Dr. DeFrain's research has found that strong families have a wide variety of qualities that contribute to the family members' sense of personal worth and feelings of satisfaction in their relationships with each other. He and a colleague have developed a family strengths inventory as a tool to help families identify their strengths and areas that offer opportunities for potential growth. The six broad topics that are used to identify qualities that make families strong are:

* Spend enjoyable time together.

* Show appreciation and affection for each other.

* Communicate effectively with each other.

* Value each other and demonstrate commitment

* Spiritual well-being.

* Manage stress and crisis effectively.

From the beginning of human life, people have grouped themselves into families to find emotional, physical and communal support. Family structures may vary around the world, and yet, the value of family endures.

Life in family can bring great joy or excruciating pain, depending upon how well family relationships are going. A healthy marriage and family can be a valuable resource for helping to endure difficulties that life inevitably brings, according to Dr. DeFrain.

If you would like to learn more about the characteristics of strong families, Dr. DeFrain's American Family Strength Inventory can be downloaded from the internet. Go to http://www.extension.unl.edu. Click on Family, then Publications, then search for "Creating a Strong Family: American Family Strengths Inventory." For more information on family and consumer topics, please contact the Extension office on first floor of the courthouse or call (620) 223-3720.

During the upcoming holiday season, be sure to spend quality time with your immediate and extended family. This week help your family be thankful for the many blessings -- large and small -- received throughout the year.

Happy Thanksgiving!