FUNCTIONAL FAMILIES EQUAL

FUNCTIONAL SOCIETIES

When I founded PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS back in 2006, my intent was to use my writing skills to help representatives with small businesses, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations meet their bottom-line business objectives.  But my experiences as a social worker, more specifically as a child and family advocate, inspired me to create a member organization (i.e., PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS Nonprofit Service Division) that could address issues associated with parenting and prospering.  As the oldest of three children raised by a once-poor, single-parent mother, I grew up believing that the key to ending poverty of the mind, body and soul begins in the home, with parents positively influencing their children's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. 

I firmly believe that in order for America's families to function properly, they must be led by parents -- i.e., one man and one woman -- who have an undying affection and devotion for their God and each other. This affection and devotion motivates them to raise children who are responsible, courageous, cooperative and confident.  Sadly, however, too many of our children are growing up in single-parent households, and, consequently, even they seem to lose their desire to be in committed, marital relationships with members of the opposite sex.

But while single parenthood does take a toll on families of all races and ethnicities, it's not the real danger.  There are a number of single-parent mothers and fathers who have raised exceptional children.  Just read the rags-to-riches story of Gardner Rich & Company CEO Christopher Gardner, the subject of the movie The Pursuit of Happyness starring actor Will Smith, as well as the autobiography by the same name. 

The real danger is inactive parents.  Inactive parents can reside in one- and two-parent households, and are represented in every racial/ethnic group and on every socioeconomic level.   With the lure of alcohol/drugs, sexual promiscuity and violence vying for our youths' attention, it is imperative that we parents

INCREASE

OUR LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT

IN THE LIVES OF OUR CHILDREN.

Being active means we win our children's respect and cooperation very early in the game, specifically at birth.  As

ACTIVE PARENTS

we should be laboring to instill heart (i.e., encourage), give our children what they need to thrive in a democratic and capitalistic society.  This assignment isn't an easy one, as other commitments at work and at play seek to tear us away from both our spouses and our children.  But being parents is a blessing from God.  Let's work together as our

CHILDREN'S FIRST TEACHERS

to ensure they grow up to prosper, but, more importantly, to positively influence other people's lives. 

If you would like to learn more about scheduling a six-session Parent Workshop (Active Parenting Now for parents of children ages 5-12 and Active Parenting of Teens for parents of children ages 12-18), please give me a call at the number or e-mail address to the left. 

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I wish you continued success in your dedicated service to America's children.  Take care of yourselves, and may God continue to bless you in all that you do.  

Sincerely,

Jeffery A. Faulkerson, MSSW