SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Mayor Jim Heigl announced at last Tuesday’s City Council meeting that Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, would be recognized as Family Day in Sylacauga, and he encouraged families to recognize this day by spending time together.
“Family Day celebrates simple, everyday things parents do to connect with their kids” according to the CASAfamily.org website, which the mayor’s proclamation encouraged citizens to visit for more information.
The proclamation states, “Family Day has grown to promote the importance of family interaction and connecting with kids throughout the day, and to stress that children NEED both parents, and on Family Day we honor the devotion of parents and recognize their critical role in teaching children positive and healthy behaviors.”
Mayor Heigl’s proclamation addresses concerns that families are spending more time on electronic devices than in conversation with one another and that there is a diminishing value in today’s society for children to have two parents in the home. According to the proclamation, approximately 40,000 children per year in Alabama have court-ordered visitation only a few days each month with one of their parents.
“Having a warm, supportive relationship with children is linked to strong social skills, better judgment, increased self-control, improved school performance, better emotional regulation, resilience, self-confidence, decreased substance abuse,” according to the website.
The local proclamation elaborates further to address the lower risk of suicide, dropout, teen pregnancy, prison time and drug abuse in children who have a close relationship with both parents.
Many ways to celebrate Family Day
Family Day was founded by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse more than 15 years ago or the purpose of educating parents and preventing teen drug use, and the movement encourages families to do simple things together such as having a meal, playing a game, or simply talking about their day.
Mayor Heigl’s Family Day proclamation tells Sylacauga citizens, “It is our responsibility as concerned family members to help create a solid foundation for the future health and happiness of all Alabama children.”
“The simple, little things you do with your kids make a big difference. These activities create strong, healthy relationships that can prevent future drug use. On September 25, Family Day brings together communities across the country to celebrate the positive influence parents have on their kids,” states CASAfamily.org.
Celebrating Family Day involves slowing down in order to enjoy simply spending time with each other. The focus is building relationships and fostering supportive communication between parents and children.
The types of activities will vary from family to family. Whether your family enjoys going for a bike ride or playing a board game, Family Day encourages everyone to participate.
Show your support on social media
While Family Day encourages parents and children to put down electronic devices in exchange for quality time together, CASAfamily.org invites families across the US to show their involvement by posting photos to social media.
How does your family spend time together? Do you eat a family meal, go for a walk in the park, or read a book together? Show us! Tag @SylacaugaNews in your #MyFamilySelfie post!
Rhonda Shierling for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2017, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.