In February we celebrate Family and Love. Being and feeling connected to people who validate who we are and make us feel accepted, known and loved.
The Battlefords Children’s Charter states that a child’s "Right to Loving Relationships" includes: to have adults who believe in your hopes and dreams; to have quality time with family and other positive role models; to be nurtured in mind, body and spirit;” and in the words of one local child, "to bake cookies with my sisters, mommy and grandma!”
Many of us – parents, caregivers, professionals and other people who care for and love children – are all doing the best we can. There are, perhaps, some of us who are not – for various reasons. But what if we all committed to kicking it up a notch – doing a bit more or maybe just doing it "better" – for those children close to us, as well as for all of the children in our communities? What might that look like?
Giving a child a little more of your focused time and attention is an opportunity to connect, to show interest and give praise and encouragement. Try taking some time to understand a child’s world, their interests and stories.
Brene Brown, in her book Daring Greatly writes about showing children our love by making sure they know they "belong" in our families. Brown explains there is a difference between "fitting in" and "belonging" and that fitting in can be a barrier to feeling a sense of belonging.
“Fitting in is becoming who you need to be in order to be accepted. Belonging, on the other hand, doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”
Every February there is a dedicated day off to celebrate the importance of family life to people and their communities. This year Family Day is Monday, Feb. 16. How will you be spending that day? Consider spending time doing an activity, something outdoors if the weather is friendly, that involves having fun and connecting with children you know and love.
There are many indoor and outdoor winter activities in the Battlefords area, including some special activities planned for the break, and your family can create some of your own. Go for a walk and identify animal tracks, have a neighbourhood hockey game, spray paint art in the snow in your yard with a simple mix of food colouring and water in a spray bottle, to name a few.
As a parent or caregiver, be present, pay attention and be engaged and in doing this you will be demonstrating your love – in action. Support your child’s sense of belonging by letting them know you love them just the way they are and that they are someone you are happy to spend time with.
Have a happy Family Day!
