Expert calls for more traditional get-togethers to unite families

Family educational consultant Peggy North-Jones from New York is the keynote speaker at today’s “Focusing on the Family” parenting symposium where she will tackle with an estimated 250 parents the complexities and demands of parenting in the 21st century.

During a luncheon meeting with Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday, the visiting expert underscored the need for families to give premium to quality time spent together by sharing family meals.

“Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or breakfast, if you can’t do it seven days a week or a couple of days a week, reserve a special day to eat with your family,” said Ms. North-Jones.

“It’s eye contact, working on communication skills, and spending meaningful time together that counts,” she added.

The New-York based psychotherapist also assured struggling parents it is never too late to instill among children good old family values.

Family homes with established house rules have proven to mold disciplined and respectful children, according to the expert.

“Houses that have rules on bedtime, meal schedule, and homework have produced well-disciplined children. Children may rebel or argue but it’s all a matter of taking charge. I think parents have the obligation to stand firm on what they believe is good for their children,” she said.

Ms. North-Jones is scheduled to discuss related issues today and tomorrow at Dai-Ichi Hotel Hibiscus Hall in Garapan, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The parenting symposium is organized by local social services agencies in efforts to strengthen familial ties in the Commonwealth.

The forum will tackle four main aspects of family life such as quality time spent with family, dealing with everyday conflicts, resolving different views, as well as youth and teen family issues.

Concurrent sessions on motheread/fatheread, parents anonymous, common sense parenting, and parents as teachers will be part of the forum’s agenda, programs that have been established to support parenting.

Free respite care for children ages 3 to 8 will also be provided for the first 50 participants to arrive on Dec. 1 and 2. DYS is also mulling over the provision of day care services for children younger than 3.

The symposium is being dedicated to the late Fr. Gary Bradley, who has inspired organizers to push through with the project.