The International Day of the Family-Let us spend more quality time with our children – Minister |14 May 2005

Such is the gist of a message by the Minister for Health and Social Services Vincent Meriton on the occasion of the International Day of the Family to be celebrated on Sunday.

Minister Meriton’s message reads:
“The International Day of the Family, celebrated on May 15 of every year, is an occasion to reflect upon how each one of us can improve the well-being and functionality of our family.  As we commemorate 2005 under the national theme of “Our children, our treasure, our future” let us all expand our efforts to strengthen and empower our families in their important task of effectively preparing our children for the challenges of tomorrow. This will ensure a bright future for our children and for our Nation because responsible, caring and involved parenting contributes immensely to the future well-being of our children.

“This year, the local theme for International Day of the Family is “Fanmiy: Berso nou zanfan?” (The Family: Cradle of our Children?” The question mark at the end of the theme is significant because in today’s changing world, both the composition and role of the family are being questioned. But one feature that stands out and will always be important is the role of the family in the bringing up of children. This is a noble but difficult task. We can all be parents but the challenge remains for us to be responsible and caring parents to our children.

“As parents we should strive to ensure that our children grow up in an environment that is safe and where they feel safe. Let our homes be a joyful and peaceful retreat. We have a fight on our hands because statistics today from Social Services tell us that child sexual abuse is on the increase -- from 59 reported cases in 2003 to 90 in 2004. Figures for physical abuse have also increased from 30 reported cases in 2003 to 36 in 2004. As for emotional abuse, there was report of 37 cases in 2004 compared to just 9 in 2003.

“These figures show the significance of the question mark at the end of this year’s theme.

Many families are indeed failing their children. Instead of a peaceful and happy place, many homes have become the repository of abuse and violence.

“In this year that President James Michel has dedicated to our children let us all parents reflect on the sacred responsibility that has been bestowed upon us. Our children are indeed our treasures and it is our duty to safeguard and protect this treasure. Let us therefore take it upon ourselves as adults to be better parents. Let us spend more quality time with our children. Let us instill in them the right values. And let us give them the right upbringing so that tomorrow they can be proud of the decisions and choices that they make.

“I wish all families the very best for this special day and the future.”