Family Homeland Security

We have homeland security to protect our country. What precautions do we take to protect our families?

There's so much that can be taught to and learned from family. Many of family life lessons (i.e. trusting, beliefs, biases, etc.), are handed down generationally. Taking first steps or learning how to ride a tricycle are examples whereby children begin to learn about dependance and trust. Children expect that love, security, and support will be provided by their parents. Parents expect that their children will listen to, obey and respect them.

There are many trials and tribulations that a family will go through. What happens when the family goes off track? How do you get the family or family member(s) to reconnect? It's sort of like being on a scavenger hunt. You have to determine what the needs are and then follow your map until you uncover the hidden treasure. The hidden treasure would be the family value system. This is about feeling valued, about being listened to and about being able to voice an opinion respectively (whether you're the child or adult). It's about supporting each other and not belittling each other. Members of the family should feel safe to be themselves.

As part of family homeland security, families should adopt and promote the "we" culture and not the "I or me" culture. When family members disengage or separate from family, they shortchange themselves. Families need to understand that they are in this together, for life. It should be clear that the family will support each other through thick and thin. Parents will make mistakes along the way. Some of their decisions may even fall short. Children should not be afraid of making wrong choices, of failing or of being different.

Another part of family homeland security is that of avoiding negative forces and or scenarios. As an example, if an outsider gets mad and raises their voice to a child, a parents tendency becomes one of protection. What parent when standing there, will allow someone to yell at their child and not react?

Family homeland security should be clear to all family members. How do you promote homeland security for and within your family?