In written policy and in practice, decisions by participants and families to prioritize family activities are fully accepted, with no penalties or recriminations. Too Reorienting the relationship between families and outside groups and programs will require effort, good will, and mutual respect among all parties. We all have a stake in strong families and rich community opportunities in which children, youth, and adults can learn, grow, and contribute to their communities and the larger world. Families themselves bear important responsibilities in making the Family Life 1 st Seal of Approval work in practice. Families must make their own decisions, based on their values and priorities, about balancing family time and outside activities.
Families have to speak up when asked to make time commitments they believe to be unreasonable.
Once they agree to a schedule of activities, families are responsible to follow through. Just as activity leaders must respect family life, families must respect activity leaders and other program participants by being faithful to agreed-upon schedules. When a family priority requires an absence or change in schedule, the family has the obligation to inform the activity leader as far in advance as possible. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. The Clearinghouse welcomes diverse points of view.