February is Family Life Education Month
By Leah Persky, PhD & CFLE • Parent Coach and Manager of Professional and Community Education
While you may have heard the name before, you may have wondered what Family Life Education is. It is the evidenced-based study and support of families and relationships, within a holistic social context. The foundation of this work is that all families can and should be able to thrive.
Families are unique small groups; they are the cornerstone of all societies (UN Declaration of Human Rights). Families are a system onto themselves; and no one usually has more influence over an individual in the long term than their family. This is important, as it informs work to support families in a meaningful and realistic way. At JFCS, we use the perspective and knowledge base from Family Life Education and Family Science to inform our work supporting families. We support families in a way that is based on the unique family – their needs, strengths, challenges, culture, and goals for themselves.
We know that if one individual within a family unit is experiencing a challenge, this impacts other members of their family; no one is an island. Acute challenges can cause a brief problem and, often with time and support, the family returns to baseline. More chronic conditions including health challenges, poverty, job loss, big transitions, and loss of loved ones, can provide challenges that can make it difficult for families to sustain themselves in a healthy way over time.
This is where professionals, including therapists, case workers, educators, family coaches, and other support staff can come in to assist families. They can help families navigate these challenges with care, thoughtfulness, and a holistic view of health and well-being based on the unique traits of the specific family with whom they are working.
Family science studies how families function and develop, how they respond to challenging times, and how they can develop in a healthy manner. To do so, scholars and practitioners in this area use empirical-based studies and the tenets of social science to accumulate knowledge and best practices. This accumulation of knowledge allows professionals to continue to learn and respond to families with effective strategies and techniques, based on real world experiences.
The challenges families are facing now are novel. From the COVID pandemic, financial challenges, the increasing prominence of social media and digital media, to increased political division, and potential challenges to our democratic institutions, we know there is an extraordinary number of challenges that families are experiencing.
Family science is well-equipped to support families with concepts and theories that can be applied to our dynamic world. While the crisis or challenge may be new, many supportive theories and concepts already exist and can guide our work. We firmly believe that all families can thrive and that it is a human right to be able to do so.
At JFCS, we honor Family Life Education Month by spreading awareness of this growing field and highlighting how the work of our Professional and Community Education program is based on the tenets of Family Life Education: Collaboration, Prevention and Education. We are partners in the journey to support families through current and emerging challenges; there have been no shortage of these in the past few years. JFCS is Here for all. Always.
Our community education programs, professional development trainings, Parent Coaching program, Addiction and Recovery Services family support, Community Conferences, and other learning opportunities highlight the centrality of family and our desire to meet the needs of our community, which we know is comprised of beautifully diverse families. Our work is based on the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, repairing the world one person at a time. Tikkun olam inspires us to learn from and support you and your family. Please reach out to be connected to our programs supporting you and your family.
Source: What Is Family Science? | NCFR
Reach out to me to discuss any of these programs or explore how we might support your family: Leah Persky: lpersky@jfcsmpls.org 952-542-4825