Editor’s note: this editorial was published in our sister paper, the Powell River Peak, on Feb. 4.
Families across the province are considering how they will spend B.C.’s newest holiday, a mid-winter break from the doldrums of February.
Options abound for family-friendly outings during this long weekend.
Family Day, proposed in 2011, is this Monday, Feb. 9. It not only formally recognizes the importance of this most basic social structure, it also does something that neither Mother’s Day nor Father’s Day does — it includes everyone. And that experience of inclusion can be positive and life-affirming for children in all families, especially those which are diverse.
The concept of Family Day is broad enough that everyone should be able to see themselves reflected in the notion of family, no matter what make up or size that family comes in.
Besides promoting inclusion, the holiday also recognizes the importance of spending the time and making the effort to further deepen relationships.
Quality time together is the basic ingredient to building strong family connections, making memories that last a lifetime and creating an environment that aids in building self-esteem and character in children.
Obviously, spending time with the family only one day a year is not going to be enough to create strong families, but building routines both daily and weekly will go a long way to building relationships. Consider the simple daily activities of eating together, taking time out at in the evening to talk about what happened during the day, sharing stories and doing household chores together. Why not plan a weekly stay at home family game or movie night? Families are all different, so these suggestions will vary, but focusing on simple things and time together can strengthen a family.
Enjoy Family Day.
