PROCLAMATION declaring the period from
MOTHER’S DAY to FATHER’S DAY to be PARENTS’ MONTH in the RoanokeValley
WHEREAS, we honor and celebrate parents and recognize the skills, knowledge, time and responsibility required daily for effective parenting; and
WHEREAS, children need love, respect, caring and understanding but the also need kind but firm and consistent teaching and guidelines from their parents and other involved adults to best prepare them for a good and happy life and to be good citizens; and
WHEREAS, when parents and other concerned adults model respect and consideration to each other and to other adults, as well as their children, their children best learn these virtues; and
WHEREAS, parenting practices are more effective when children have as many opportunities as possible to observe and participate in family activities; and
WHEREAS, children thrive physically, emotionally and cognitively when parents are adequately prepared to know how best to enhance their own attitudes, knowledge and skills; and
WHEREAS, appropriate early experiences are vital to the development of a child’s brain and have been plainly shown to minimize later academic failure, depression, addictions, teen pregnancy, delinquency, and violent behavior; and
WHEREAS, competent parenting preparation is known to be the best way of reducing the abuse and neglect reported on three million children in the United States, as well as all those for whom reports are not filed; and
WHEREAS, physically and emotionally abused children are more likely to become involved in youth and adult violence and to pass abuse, neglect and violence on to following generations; and
WHEREAS, understanding the responsibilities and demands of effective parenting helps young people postpone having children until they are mature and ready; and
WHEREAS, responsible parenting education for young people will help prevent future child abuse by developing empathy, listening, problem solving and coping skills, and an understanding of child development and appropriate discipline for our next generation of parents; and
WHEREAS, a national poll found that the vast majority of adults in the United Statessupport parenting education for young people; and
WHEREAS, all children deserve fathers, mothers, and other caring adults who are prepared to be engaged, nurturing and effective; and
NOW THEREFORE, we, the undersigned hereby proclaim the period from May 14, 2006(Mother’s Day) to June 18, 2006(Father’s Day) as PARENTS’ MONTH in the RoanokeValley.
Further, we ask that parents and others who have regular contact with children carefully plan and carry out at least one activity in this month to foster better parenting and nurturing skills.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREFORE, I/we have hereunto set my/our hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the (City/County/State) of __________ this 11th day of May, 2006.
