LIFESTYLE-Magazine-Winter-2016

In this first subject ‘Family Values’ four Hyndburn men of Kashmiri, Irish, Polish andWhite/English descent share their views

David Render-White/English Now that Annalise is nearly 18 it's not amassive problembut Junior/Secondary school it wasmore of balancingwork with family life (due toworking shis). Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri I am the sole breadwinner inmy family, my wife as a housewife looked aer our children and did not work.The parental responsibilities were donemainly bymy wife andmy parents helped to baby sit and give respite to us if andwhen we needed it. I was fortunate to have a family and friends whowere there for us through difficult times. Inmarriage you need to be happy, fulfilling your entire obligation and be caring.There is always a time for thinking and reconciliation before taking that ultimate decision of separation. I think if you are a good parent and a responsible human being you can give a good upbringing to a boy/girl. Tommy Fox - Irish I don’t think couples should stay together in an unhappy relationship. Kids feel and see what goes on in the home and it is beer to have two happy homes rather than one unhappy one. One of my sons wanted to livewithmewhenme and hismumsplit up, and because of the hours sheworked at the time, it made sense for us to parent that way, and that’s what we did. It worked for us. Same sexmarriage, again if you askedme 40 years ago I would have held very different views.The church forbade it and now they have changed their own views. I look at what the church says andmake upmy ownmind. These days I believe it is up to the individual how andwho they love. 8. What is a family to you? Is it made up of blood relations and spouses or does it hold a wider meaning. Is your religion a family, are friends you have made over the years, like your family? Marcin Kominek - Polish What ismy family? It is not only the scheme - mum, dad and the kids.This is themutual respect, help and kindness, which should be passed on to other generations. Fortunately, I received strong support, love frommy parents and I do the same towards tomy daughter. Unfortunately, I noticed that for many families in the U.K. these values simply do not exist and the lack of education of children can be seen at every step. Definitely this is the fault of parents, because they are the first sourcewhich is responsible for education, and good behaviour of their children. David Render -White/English I have an umbrella of family fromblood to friends I havemade over the 47 years of my life. Family is not only about blood . . . it's about who is willing to hold your handwhen you need it themost. Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri My family includes blood relations, family friends, friends that I have known for a long time and someonewhowas there for mewhen I needed themmost. Tommy Fox - Irish I havemy blood family but then there ismy war family, veterans, ex-squaddies, sailors or Air Force. We can talk to each other about our experiences and issues in a way I couldn’t dowithmembers of my blood family. I don’t think blood is always thicker than water, I believewe can have hundreds of friends, but with a handful you can forma close family-like bond.

Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri I believe it is very important that we encourage marriage to create a family unit. It is also important that you choose the right partner, although divorce rates are a cause of concern in the Asian community. However, we do promote, encourage and celebratemarriage in our communities. My personal opinion is as aMuslim and person of faith, I do not support same sex marriage. Tommy Fox - Irish I do believe inmarriage aer a period of time. Like I say it is good for the kids. Personally I would not play any part in arranging amarriage for my children. Part of growing up I think is that they learn tomake their ownmistakes, livewith themandmove on. I respect other people for their views, but that’s how I feel withmy kids. 7. 2016’s Family Index report tells us that more parents are working full-time and the “typical” family arrangement, where a father works full-time and a mother works part-time, is receding. It is clear that balancing work and family life is an ongoing challenge for more and more families in the UK. If you have children, how does the balance of parenting work in your home? Is shared parenting in separate homes preferable to staying in an unhappy relationship in your view? Finally do you have a view on same sex parenting? Marcin Kominek - Polish This is true that both parents areworking longer hours. Unfortunately we have less time than before.We spend less timewith family, children and friends.The best alternative is the opportunity to put into effect certain rules and chronology,whichfacilitateustoarrangeall issues.

Divorce rates are a cause of concern in the Asian community Munsif Dad We spend less time with family, children and friends Marcin Kominek

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