National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Shatter the Myths
Strong Family Bonds = Good Prevention
Connections Matter
It is a snow day for schools in Eaton County and for many people, a day to stop the busyness and hopefully engage in a little fun. I saw a father and son making a snowman outside this morning. These are the moments we all hold dear--the time we spend connecting with each other. I once had a parent tell me she actually forgot how much she genuinely likes her kids until a winter storm and power outage forced them to stay home and play board games with each other by candlelight. Connecting doesn't just feel good, science also tells us how beneficial it is for youth mental health.
In an article on the "Importance of Family Time" for the Child Development Institute, Gail Fernandez, MD, says:
"Sometimes parents become so anxious to raise a 'successful' child that they overlook the importance of spending time interacting personally with their child or children. This does not mean rushing from school to extracurricular activity to supervising homework. Interactive time is that spent with both child and parent fully engaged in an activity together. The importance of this time is multifold..."
- The child will feel important and loved.
- The youth will have an opportunity to model the parent’s healthy behaviors.
- The parent will be able to observe and learn about the child’s strengths and weaknesses in order to better guide them.
- The child will have a chance to voice their thoughts and feelings in a relaxed situation.
- The parent and child will develop a stronger bond.
To read the whole article by Dr. Fernandez, go to: https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/psychology/importance-of-family-time-on-kids-mental-health-and-adjustment-to-life/
Eaton County Substance Awareness Advisory Group
Email: ecsaag@eatonresa.org
Website: www.eatondrugfree.org
Location: 1790 Packard Highway, Charlotte, MI, United States
Phone: 517-541-8711
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ECSAAG/
Twitter: @ecsaag