J. S. Jackson - A Kids Guide to Keeping Family First

A Kids Guide to Keeping Family First

Written by J. S. Jackson
Illustrated by R. W. Alley

This one is for my younger sister, Sally
my one and only sibling
who went through childhood with me
and was by far the brightest light
in our strange and wonderful family.
I am eternally grateful for her love,
her support and her limitless generosity
in lending money for the purchase
of musical instruments for the band.

All rights reserved, including without limitation the right to reproduce this ebook or any portion thereof in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright 2005 J.S. Jackson

Illustrations 2005 St. Meinrad Archabbey

ISBN: 978-1-4976-8126-2

Abbey Press Publications

1 Hill Drive

St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577

www.abbeypress.com

Distributed by Open Road Distribution

345 Hudson Street

New York, NY 10014

www.openroadmedia.com

The beginning of this century has proved to be one of the most challenging times in human history. Communications of all kinds race around the planet at lightning speed, bombarding us with sensational and frightening stories many times a day. Now more than ever, the hope for our children and their future lies within the strength and the promise of the family.

The family can be a safe haven, a confidence-maker, a character-builder, a self-esteem enhancer. It can teach love and kindness, honesty, and generosity. By far, the most important building blocks children need to achieve successful, happy lives rise from the foundations of a healthy, secure family.

Families need to work at keeping communication lines open with their children at all ages and all stages. While most parents understand the need for parent-to-child communicationthis most basic human instinct to pass on our knowledge, our love, our values, and our heritage to our childrenit is also necessary to understand the need for child-to-parent communication. Children need to be listened to and empathized with.

Family rituals, such as morning and/or nightly mealtimes, are indispensable in establishing a strong, happy family. Morning meals allow family members to start the day on a high note. Evening meals offer the opportunity for concentrated communication, sharing of feelings, fun, and laughter. Other rituals, like regular attendance at religious services, as well as family activities like picnics or miniature golf, are equally important to the strength and cohesiveness of a family.

Keeping family first is a simple concept, but one that can easily be lost in all the options and attractions our daily lives present to us. It asks that every family member be prepared to make small sacrifices for the overall good of the family.

The easiest thing about keeping your family first is that it takes only two things: you and your child. Reading this book together should give you plenty of ideas of how to make that happen.

J.S. Jackson

What Is a Family?

A family is a group of people who love each
other and live together.

M any families have a mom and dad, some
kids, and maybe some pets. Other families
have just one parent and one or more kids.
Some families have grandparents or other
relatives living with them.

S ome families are blended. This happens
when a mom from one family marries a dad
from another family to make a brand new
family.

A Strong Family

I n a strong family, both the adults and the
children help each other. They are loving,
kind, giving, and honest with one another.

P arents are like teachers, showing their
children how to do thingslike riding a bike,
or making a cake, or cleaning up their rooms.
Parents also try to teach their kids values
how to be polite, get along with others, and
become a loving person.

C hildren teach their parents too. They show
their mom and dad what its like to be a kid,
how they feel, and what they need.

Family Talk

I ts very important for families to talk and
listen to each other. Talk with your parents
every day and let them know whats going on
in your life. Tell them what youre feeling
the good stuff and the bad stuff.

C an you think of ways to tell your parents
something without talking? You can tell your
dad you love him by giving him a hug. Or by
doing a chore without being asked. Or by
keeping your room looking nice.

Family Traditions

T raditions are things that you do over and
over, which mean a lot to you. Your family
probably has certain ways of celebrating
holidaysspecial decorations, foods, parties,
and gifts. These are your family traditions.

I f your family background is Irish, Mexican,
Italian, or Polish, for example, you may have
traditions from these countries.

T raditions dont have to be about holidays.
Any special family eventa picnic in the
park, going to the movies, a vacation at the
lakecan become a family tradition.