FUNCTION ABOVE FORM

Children need more adult attention, family researcher says

Future families might have grandparents or same-sex partners running households, but how they nurture relationships with their children and others will determine the family's viability. That's according to Don Bower, president of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and professor and extension specialist at the University of Georgia. Bower spoke Monday to a group of educators and human services workers attending Clemson University Extension Services' "Strengthening Families, Youth and Communities" conference in Myrtle Beach.

"We need to focus less on forms of families and more on function," said Bower, who specializes in research in child and family development. Nearly 200 conference participants attended, representing 25 states. "It doesn't matter if it's a grandmother, same-sex parents or some other form. We need more consistent, caring adults in our children's lives." To drive home his message, Bower pointed to trends and statistics that illustrate the decline of the traditional family. Fewer people are marrying or remarrying after divorce. More children are living in single-parent homes. Divorce rates are rising. More women are giving birth outside of marriage. And adults are spending less time with children or not being exposed to children at all. "The more you can maximize consistent care and love by several adults, the better off kids tend to be," Bower said. "We must have a renewed emphasis on our partners, children and extended families to create the preferred family of the future with a focus on function over form."

Bower said the preferred family of the future will have parents and caregivers dedicated to strengthening their relationships, the commitment of policymakers who will consider families before making decisions that affect communities, and the support of communities and extended families, all working to strengthen the family unit. "Community cohesion seems to be a consistent factor that results in strong families," he said. The conference, featuring workshops covering topics such as the importance of the family meal, fatherhood and drug addiction and its effect on families, continues through Wednesday at Springmaid Conference Center in Myrtle Beach.

"This conference allows professionals who work with families to share program ideas, network and collaborate to meet changing needs of families and share in professional development with colleagues across the country," said Deborah Thomason, Clemson Extension family and consumer sciences state program leader. "During times of change, families, communities and youths need proven strategies for success that will improve their quality of life."

Elaine Gaston
14 February 2006

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/local/13866879.htm

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