PASTORAL CHALLENGES OF THE FAMILY

1. UNEMPLOYMENT

 Unemployment occurs when workers who want to work are unable to

find jobs, which means lower economic output, while still requiring
subsistence. Unemployment affects the individual and his family, not
only with respect to income, but also with respect to health and
mortality. When the breadwinner of a family loses his/her job, the entire
family is adversely hit by the effects of unemployment. Steady source of
income is extremely important for fulfilling all the needs of a family. But
when this steady income comes to a halt, financial security is lost due to
which the family suffers emotional, psychological and social disturbance.

Important: The best way to prevent unemployment is to improve your skills constantly

Tip: “When you least expect it, something great will come along. When one door is closed, don’t
you know that many more are open. Be patient. Stay focused.”

2. MIGRATION

 Migration is the movement of people from one place to another with various
intentions such as having better job opportunities and higher pay overseas
that urged many Filipinos to work abroad and leave their families for years.
The situation is more-likely to cause a huge impact on the mental and
emotional well-being of the children since they are longing for their parents’
care and affection. The increasing amount of absentee parents becomes
more alarming because without them, discipline is not enforced at home. The
children will experience childhood only once. This is the time when children
really need the guidance of parent so make the most out of it.

Important: Children that were left behind may benefit from material things but the involvement
of substitute care or the lack of care causes difficulties for some children's emotional well-being
and psychological development.
Tip: “The greatest needs were for things that money could not buy: love, emotional security and
family unity.”

3. FAMILIES WITH ELDERLY

 Aging is a fact of life and it affects all families. The well-being of the elderly
is the ultimate wish as they age and live out the last years of their
lives. Families that have elderly members should consider their emotional,
mental and physical care. Many people are so busy with day-to-day
schedules that taking time off work to be with their aging parents is
difficult. You can be productive at work while still giving your aging parents
the care and attention you would love to give them. Taking an honest look
at where an elderly needs support is the first step and then assess at all
the possible solutions in order get them the help they need.
Important: Isolation, loneliness, and boredom are the most common issues among elderly
people.

Tip: “Essentials necessary to the dignity and physical and emotional well-being of our elderly is
to ensure their daily living requirements are met effectively.”