FAMILY AND PARENTAL IMPACT (1)

“…FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named” – Ephesians 3:14b-15

Our focus in this new month is on FAMILY and PARENTAL IMPACT: “For this reason I bow my knees to the FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named” (Eph.3: 14-15). God is the Father of an Eternal Family. He is the Author, Preserver, and Sustainer of the Family as both a temporal and eternal Institution. He gives essence and Identity to “the WHOLE FAMILY in heaven and earth” (v.15). Our Family God created in humanity the potential and longing for family! All that there is in family that adds value to humankind flow from Him and for His Glory (vv.20-21).

The Family is precious to God! Family and Parental Impact refers to the profound and lasting influence of a family unit and the parent(s) on children’s beliefs, behaviour, and development, which lays the foundation for their future. This process involves both direct actions, like teaching values and giving instructions, and indirect actions, such as modelling behaviour. Family Impact is a continuous, reciprocal relationship where the child also influences family dynamics. The family is often the first and most significant environment for learning values, behaviours, and beliefs, which shape a person's life trajectory and worldview. 

Two essential elements of Family – Marriage and Parenthood – were authored by God and reflect His Character. Families are central to God’s Plan for His children, being the fundamental building block of sound individual and strong societies. Families are where people can to love and be loved. Life is tough, and everyone needs family to lean on. That’s why “God sets the solitary in FAMILIES; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land” (Psa.68:6). The love between a husband and wife provides a glimpse of Christ’s passionate devotion to the Church as His bride (Eph.5:25). Similarly, the challenges of parenthood offer a compelling picture of God’s tenderness and patience toward us as His children.

Specifically, the Family is the child’s Foundation for Life; his or her primary and most influential social group, establishing the template for how they interact with others and perceive themselves. Family Impact describes the wider interactions among all family relationships that help shape child development. This involves how the family unit instils values, provides support, and gives a sense of belonging. Parental Impact comprises the ways parents directly and indirectly shape children's beliefs, behaviour, and emotional maturity, pertaining to all aspects of life: spiritual, social, cognitive, emotional, and physical health.

Key qualities of healthy family and parental impact include: Faith and values; family stability and unity; positive role modelling; discipline and instruction; warmth and support; quality time and engagement; and emotional availability and responsiveness.