NEWSLETTER February 2012
Some years ago now there was a popular slogan frequently displayed in the form of a sticker placed in the rear window of motor cars. It read “Have you hugged your child today?” Equally pertinent in our hectic whirl of 21st Century daily life could be the questions “Have you shared a meal with your child today?” and “Did you enjoy reading a story with your child today?” Two rituals which are essential to good communication, understanding, self-assurance and all-round well-being are the time honoured habits of family mealtimes and the goodnight bedtime story. When the family is seated together enjoying a sustaining and healthy meal, it is a time of unity and strength building. Discussion should be freely encouraged, allowing each individual to elaborate on the happenings of the day. Insight, empathy and early detection of possible problems are the benefits of such warm family togetherness. The ritual reading of stories to peacefully bring the day to its close are precious, memorable times for parent and child alike. It should be noted that no-one is ever too old to enjoy the great pleasure of having a good book read aloud to them. Let us protect and honour these fleeting hours with our offspring – they are indeed the bastions of a happy childhood and ensure a legacy of nurturing which will endure through the generations to come.
