The Backbone of the Family: Learning About Family Resource Management
Vineeta Shah
Health Educator
Hey there, fellow family managers and resource jugglers. Let’s dive into the world of family resource management. Yes, you heard it right, we’re turning the usually serious discussion into a lively conversation because, let’s face it, running a family can feel like managing a bustling business – just with more crayons and bedtime stories.
So, what exactly is family resource management? It’s the everyday actions that keep the family cogs well-oiled. Let’s break it down into three resource categories: human, material, and intangible realms of family success. Maybe you already employ all of these strategies – if so, congrats! Or maybe you’ll learn some tips and tricks to enhance your family’s lives. Either way, understanding family resource management is a great way to assess what can be improved to keep everyone happy and healthy.
Human Resources:
Firstly, we’ve got the soft and squishy side – the human resources of family management. To understand human resources in a family setting, consider love and support, the ultimate glue that holds a family together. It’s like emotional duct tape; you can never have too much of it.
Don’t forget about focused quality time, which is a precious, irreplaceable gem. Family dinner, game night, or even a stroll around the block – these are the power-ups that keep our family dynamics in check. Plus, these moments are opportunities for children to bring up tough topics that they may be facing, such as bullying, relationships, academic stress, and more.
Acknowledge the skills and abilities each family member brings to the table. Children with their boundless enthusiasm and parents with the learned wisdom of adulthood – it’s like a talent show that never ends, and we can all be winners.
Material Resources:
Now, let’s talk about the cold, hard cash – finances. Budgeting, saving, and investing wisely are magic tools that help us navigate the tricky maze of bills and unexpected expenses. It’s like playing Monopoly, but the stakes are real, and that can feel very stressful.
To make finances feel more manageable, be sure to educate yourself and your family. Check your local library or community center calendars for classes on financial management. Some organizations even offer these classes for free. Knowledge is power, and education can open doors to a brighter future.
Speaking of doors, having a safe and cozy home is the cornerstone of family stability. Reassure children that the trusted adults in their lives are doing their best to keep them safe and happy at home. After all, a reliable roof over our heads helps promote being our best, most confident selves.
Having healthcare and devoting time to health and wellness is important because “health is wealth.” Access to health resources ensures that we’re able to tackle life’s challenges. Access to healthcare, physical activity, and healthy meals is difficult for many. Set health goals that feel manageable: incorporate more fruits and veggies into meals, aim for 60 active minutes of play per day, or try to take quiet time to reset emotionally each day.
Intangible Resources:
Now, let’s get a bit philosophical with the intangible resources. Traditions and culture are like the secret family handshake. They provide a sense of identity and a feeling of belonging. Letting your children help prepare traditional dishes is a great way to promote feelings of inclusion.
Resilience and adaptability are family superheroes, facing challenges head-on and bouncing back stronger than ever. It’s like having a built-in trampoline for life’s curveballs. Learn more about increasing resilience for yourself and your youth in this blog post by a Poe Center educator.
Don’t overlook vital resources such as social support, extended family, friends, and community. As the saying goes,”It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, it takes a squad to keep this family train chugging along happily.
In conclusion, fellow family adventurers, creating a loving and fulfilling home is the ultimate quest. It’s the treasure chest that holds the gems of each family member’s contributions. Human, material, and intangible resources – they’re superpowers, building a foundation for a future filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of messy, beautiful chaos. So, here’s to managing families like rockstars!
Featured Program: Healthy Relationships 101
Healthy Relationships 101 explores the facets of what makes a healthy relationship. Setting and communicating personal boundaries, identifying warning signs of unhealthy relationships, and identifying societal influences that impact relationships are discussed through engaging activities, multimedia, and thoughtful reflection.
Program Participants: 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Program Length: 60 Minutes
Featured Resource: National PTA’s Wellness Resources for Parents
More specific articles focused on topics for families, such as avoiding illness during flu season, connecting with your child, providing cultural resources for children, parenting student athletes, navigating parenting a child with anxiety, and much more:
References:
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Jan 24 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Learn how to eat healthy with myplate. MyPlate. (2023). https://www.myplate.gov/
Garey, J. (2023, October 30). 10 Tips for Parenting Preteens. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/10-tips-for-parenting-your-pre-teen/
Ehmke, R. (2023, October 30). Tips for Communicating With Your Teen. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/10-tips-for-parenting-your-pre-teen/