As we navigate the hectic tempo of modern living, one aspect often gets relegated to the back burner – self-care. As the culture of 'busyness' grows, we sometimes forget that our most fundamental responsibility is to ourselves and our well-being. 

Topics: Family Day, family bonding, family dinner, mental health, Family Table Time, love, affection, hug

President's Message - June 2023

I am always amazed by how different people approach the drug problem. The predominant approach is, "I'm going to learn everything about drugs," and then, "I'm going to tell others all about everything I've learned, and that will save them." However, becoming a drug expert does not stop the drug problem. 

Topics: President's Message, family bonding, Informed Families, summer, Family Table Time

Once each year, we take time to celebrate the people that make our lives meaningful: our families. Family life isn’t always what you’d find in a Hallmark movie, but at the bottom, the love and support we find there offer a sense of belonging and stability in our lives. Sociologists point out that families are critical for healthy development.

Topics: Family Day, parenting, teenagers, family bonding, teens, family dinner, Family Table Time

As we celebrate the various holidays clustered around this time of year, we can look around and see all the ways we’re lucky enough to have so much. Not only enough to survive—food, clothing, shelter—but enough to thrive.

Topics: family bonding, Family Table Time

Two of this month’s Family Table Talk topics are heritage and reading, and we think they complement Thanksgiving perfectly.

Topics: family bonding, family dinner, Family Table Time

One positive outcome of the pandemic has been that families have been forced by circumstances to spend more time together. No more rushing out the door to play practice in one direction and violin lessons in the other. No more late nights at the office, grabbing a quick fast-food dinner on the way home.

Topics: family bonding, family dinner, Family Table Time

Congratulations to the winners of the Family Day Photo Contest: Lesley Adkins Stanton from Winter Springs, FL; Lauren Schere Shpigler from Orlando, FL; and Jeanette Teixeira from Miami, FL. The winners, who were randomly selected, each win a $100 Publix gift card.

Laurel Oak Elementary in Naples, FL won the grand prize for schools by having the most entries in the State of Florida. They will receive a $250 Publix gift card.

The contest was sponsored by Publix, Simply Healthcare and Seminole Prevention Coalition.

Topics: Family Day, orlando, family bonding, seminole county, family dinner, miami, collier county, orange county

 

Families come in all forms, sizes and colors. Their diversity is what makes them so beautiful. We love seeing your lovely #FLFamilyDay dinner photos on social media each year. Thank you to all of the families that have participated in Family Day and our Family Day Photo Contest in the past. We have shared some of their heart-warming photos in this post.

Participating in our Family Day photo contest is a simple way that you can help spread awareness about Family Day and the importance of eating dinner together as a family. Research shows that children who eat dinner with their families 4 or more times a week do better in school and are less likely to use drugs or participate in other destructive behaviors. We all want what’s best for our children. Wouldn’t your family and friends with children want to know that something as simple as regular family dinners can improve parent-child communication?

Topics: Family Day, Facebook, family bonding, photo contest, family dinner

National Family Day is on the Fourth Monday of September - that's September 28, 2020 this year. It’s a great opportunity for families to eat dinner together. Watch this 1 in video to learn more about why you should engage in regular family dinners.

Parents are often surprised to hear that something as simple as eating dinner together 4 times a week can reduce the likelihood that their kids will engage risky behavior. Parental engagement is the single most potent weapon in preventing substance use among youth. Check out our Family Days Activity Guide for ideas on how to turn dinner time into something everyone looks forward.

Topics: Family Day, tips, parent involvement, positive parenting, communication, family bonding, children, Informed Families, drug prevention, Family Table Time

Back to School During the Covid-19 Pandemic  

“It is the best of times, it is the worst of times” is surely a fitting description for today. During times of uncertainty, basic routines help us and our children feel more secure; thus, happier and healthier.

If your children are attending classes are remotely or at school some of the basics still apply:

• Have a healthy breakfast
• Get dressed for school
•  Have a specific place for children to do their online work or their homework
•  Ask about their assignments and review their work and homework
• When going to school, wear a mask

Telling your children you love them and that things will be okay are two messages you need to repeat often. Sometimes this is hard!   If you are fearful about now and the future, practice Mindfulness with your children. It will help everyone. Mindfulness keeps our minds from running away to negative thoughts and worse case scenarios. Even three deep breaths will slow the freight train in the brain.

 

Topics: President's Message, parenting, family bonding, back to school, Covid-19