Family is the major source of happiness for most of us and it cannot be denied that living in a happy family makes the world a wonderful place to live in. It is in our family that we learn to support, care and love each other. Here in the Philippines, we are known to have a custom of close family ties. Filipinos care so much for their families more than anything else and most of the time, married children are still living with their parents. But why are there still some families that are happy, here and all over the world? Here are my observations.

Financial problems

If the necessities of a family are not being well provided, the children will suffer or the older child will give way. But due to pride, some siblings quarrel and most of them are blaming their parents. There are also others who do illegal things just to provide financial support but in the end, the whole family suffers. Some parents leave their child to someone they think is capable to provide their needs.

Rivalry and Jealousy

Some parents reject their children with lesser capabilities, instead of supporting them. They care more for the child who brings good reputation and honor to their name. Comparing one over the other is not healthy as it can reduce self-esteem and confidence of the weaker one. Chances are this child will do unpleasant things that he thinks he can be noticed and loved the way his siblings are experiencing and he will carry this bad habit until he grow up.

Image credit to kainangpamilyamahalaga.com

Absence of the main characters

Many Filipino parents and other family members work abroad hoping to earn more money to provide the needs and to prepare for the future. Although technology nowadays can help families to communicate easily, I think it is still not sufficient to bond the family. There are occasions where presence is more than valuable than presents. On the other hand, some families collapsed because they depend too much to their lost loved ones and they were not ready for this kind of situation.

Lack of quality time

Working hard to earn good money is our major responsibility as a parent. However, we must dedicate a quality time to our family especially to our children. Besides weekends and holidays, meal time like dinner is a perfect time the whole family enjoys each other. Sharing stories about what happened the whole day is among the favorite topics on the dining table. Young children talks about different things while parents are very happy to hear them.

If you are asked by your boss to render overtime but your child requested you to go home early to join her for dinner, what will you choose?

Incidentally, Monde Nissin Corporation maker of Lucky Me Instant Noodles and Philippine government agencies such as DSWD and DILG are helping hand in hand to promote Happy Famealy Day on September 22, 2008. They are reminding parents especially fathers to join dinner with their families to help the family be stronger as one.

Being a father, I will be joining my family with their dinner as I always do. Being a Filipino blogger, I feel that I have a responsibility to spread the word.

How about you?

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