OUR THIRD CLASS FAMILIES

Those of us older folks can remember when we found comfort in government looking out for us. We got all sorts of entitlements which assured us of help.

Only later did we begin to see that all this government goodness came at high costs. The budgets got out of hand. Worse still, we found ourselves being regulated how and how much we can have government goodies.

Now, we find our families in a different class from government. We no longer trust the government leaders to tell the truth. Rather we see they are more interested in their powers and prestige than the welfare of our families. We, and our families, have become a lower class.

At the same time, we have gained a new view of business. We once relied on the company for steady work and pensions that would be there when we needed them. Just like the government leaders, the business leaders are clear about their goals - power and profit. When the chips are down, the employee comes later, if at all.

It is good for families to see things clearly. Beyond government and business, we are third class. Once we see this, we can realistically figure out how to do our own unique job - raising kids in the security of the family.

Our new vision requires us to plan family well-being on its own strengths, of which there are many:

• The family is the cornerstone of our society
• Only the family can raise kids - it’s a 24/7 task
• The power of the family stems from its roots and relationships
• It is the customer of business and the voter of governments
• With the computer, the family can deal with the big data systems
• It can partner with community professionals for the help its needs

Fortunately, there are new efforts to build family wellness. One such effort is the Family Wellness Rainbow. It sets out six essentials for wellness and shows short steps to make progress.

To check out the Family Wellness Rainbow, please see:   www.familycybermall.org