The saying, “A picture is worth 1,000 words” is so true. In the case of our four grandchildren the texts and FaceTime minutes help us manage in between visits. Still nothing compares to actually seeing, hugging and interacting with the kids. As we enter the holiday season, families across the country hardly need a reminder that the week of Thanksgiving is designated as National Family Week.

National Family Week got its’ start in Canada and was adopted in the U.S. during the Regan administration. It embraces the premise that children live better lives when their families are strong, and families are strong when they live in communities that connect them to economic opportunities, social networks, and services. These “connections,” celebrated during National Family Week, include access to reliable transportation, employment opportunities, education, child care, housing, health care, and support from community networks and institutions.

When America’s diverse families and children are healthy, our nation prospers. That is why we hope everyone will take time during National Family Week to honor the connections that support and strengthen families year round.

I am reminded of parenting classes I have led in the past and the need to encourage families of all kinds to provide a nurturing and safe environment for their children. Putting struggles from the past behind them and starting fresh with new ideas to build self- esteem and good communication skills is a worthy goal.  

We have an excellent resource titled, “100 Ways to Celebrate your Family.” If you feel like you need some fresh ideas to try out with your family, stop by for your free copy of this poster that is appropriate to share throughout the holiday season.

Something else I want to mention in my column space today is that the Cottonwood Extension District has a Family and Community Wellness position open. Our offices are in Great Bend and Hays and the primary location for this position will be the Hays office. The person in this position will provide programming related to: strengthening families and individuals, building community capacity, family and community health and wellness, and local volunteer development. Follow this link for more information and the application procedure: www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs

Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.