DATE: 2/23/06

CONTACT: Dr. Deborah Thomason, (864) 656-5721

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

Clemson conference told children need more consistent, caring adults

MYRTLE BEACH – As the number of children in single-parent homes grows, the need for caring adults in their lives is more important than ever, according to Don Bower, president of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

A professor and Extension specialist at the University of Georgia, Bower spoke Feb. 13 to a group of approximately 200 educators and human services workers from 29 states at Clemson University Extension Service’s “Strengthening Families, Youth and Communities” conference in Myrtle Beach.

“The rate of divorce has increased,” he said. “We need more consistent, caring adults in our children’s lives.

Bower pointed to trends and statistics that illustrate the decline in the traditional family. More women are giving birth outside of marriage and adults are spending less time with children or not at all.

He said the more you can maximize consistent care and love by several adults, the better off children tend to be.

“We need to focus less on forms of families and more on function,” he said.

He also discussed the increasing lifespan of Americans and meaningful roles for our seniors.

The conference featured workshops covering topics such as nutrition education; understanding the care needs of the elderly; the importance of the family meal; and connecting youths with the community.

Deborah Thomason, Clemson Extension family and consumer sciences state program leader, said that families, communities and young people face new issues every day.

“During times of change, families, communities and youths need proven strategies for success that will improve their quality of life,” she said. “This conference allows professionals who work with families to share program ideas and network to meet the changing needs of families.”

Other speakers were Rev. Joiquim Barnes of Columbia and Toni Pipkins, retired Clemson Extension agent and minister of youth and families at First Baptist Church in Orangeburg.

Barnes told how his grandmother was the big influence in his life and how parents need to be role models for their children.

Pipkins said you have to live it as well as teach it to children.

“Parents are the first influence in children’s lives,” she said. “Churches and schools are the supporting entities. We live such a busy life that we don’t do things that make a difference in life.”

The “Building Family Strengths” curriculum at Clemson University embraces the notion that strong families:

* Believe in open and honest communication.

* Experience contentment with their lifestyle.

* Have a sense of family history.

* Have a sense of humor.

* Have a sense of optimism about life.

* Exhibit resiliency during change.

* Have high self-esteem.

* Have a sense of spirituality.

* Encourage unity and family togetherness.

* Share common values.

For more information about the curriculum, contact Thomason at (864) 656-5721 or dthmsn@clemson.edu.

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