Footsteps 55

FAMILIES UNDER PRESSURE

Photo: Jim Loring/Tearfund

This issue has been planned as a result of the Footsteps survey carried out in 2002. ‘Pressures on the family’ was one of the most common subjects requested by readers. Families can be seen as one of the building blocks of society, yet they have never before been under so many different kinds of pressure. In this issue we look at some of those pressures – economic migration to find work, the results of HIV/AIDS on children, globalisation and stress. We have covered the subject of domestic violence in particular because this is such a widespread issue, yet one that is seldom brought into the open and discussed. We have also included some really positive and practical ideas for families to enjoy together.

Please find below articles from Footsteps issue 55 in html.

To download a pdf version of Footsteps issue 55 click here (588K).

Bible study God the parent Parenting is a complex gift and task. Often we can get so distract-ed with the tasks of parenting (providing food, discipline, shelter, clothing and education) that we lose our relationship with the child in all the pressures and ... More >>

Child migration due to AIDS Child migration due to AIDS The AIDS epidemic in southern Africa is causing many children to move to other areas. Often they go to live with extended families because their parents are sick or have died of AIDS. Or they might go to support their re... More >>

Domestic violence by Arline Poubel e Silva and Suzy da Silva Cyrillo. In most cultures, people hide the problem of violence within the family. This means that little is known about the level of violence that affects families. Ill-treatment within the family has incr... More >>

Editorial This issue has been planned as a result of the Footsteps survey carried out last year. ‘Pressures on the family’ was one of the most common subjects requested by readers. Families can be seen as one of the building blocks of society, yet they have ne... More >>

Family values Parents are one of the most important role models for young people growing up. They have a huge influence on their children. Children will grow up doing what their parents do – rather than what they say. If we don’t set a good example, we can’t expe... More >>

Globalisation and family life: A GRASSROOTS PERSPECTIVE Tearfund has recently carried out some research into the positive and negative impacts of globalisation on developing countries. Questionnaires were sent out to Tearfund partner organisations all over the world. One of the issues raised in the ques... More >>

Letters Aids awareness for teenagers ASSOPADEM is a rural association for social development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nearly 100 volunteers have received training to help tell others about the spread of HIV/AIDS. These volunteers travel aroun... More >>

Pressures on the family in a changing world by Esly Regina Carvalho. The pressures on families today are huge. All you have to do is look around. Many families may have only one parent, some children have no parents (often as a result of HIV/AIDS) and live in child-headed households. Some f... More >>

Reducing migration among young people by Karl Dorning. The lack of job opportunities in their home communities and the need to earn income have caused considerable migration from Myanmar (Burma) to Thailand. In some communities over half the young people migrate. However, there are ma... More >>

Resources Play of Life by Dr Carlos Raimundo This is an innovative, simple and effective technique which uses small figures on boards as a way of helping break down the barriers to communication which can arise within families. The tool is based on Christian... More >>

The best-kept secret by Esly Carvalho. How can the church face up to the problems of domestic violence? Recently an investigation was published by the InterAmerican Development Bank, with some shocking findings… Around 30-40% of Latin American women have suffered... More >>

The happy story of my life This is an adapted exercise from the teaching resource by Dr Carlos Raimundo, The Play of Life, reviewed on page 14. Find a place where you can be peaceful and undisturbed for an hour. Place a large sheet of paper in front of you. The top left cor... More >>

The qualities of a stable family Today families are under so many different pressures. However there are many ways in which families can develop good relationships and provide a stable base, not just for family members but for others around them. Here are some ideas for strengthenin... More >>

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