D. CARING FOR AND MANAGING THE FAMILY AND THE HOME – A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY Art. 149 (216a, 218a) of the Family Code of the Philippines states: The family as being the foundation of the nation is a basic social institution which public policy cherishes and protects. Consequently, family relations are governed by law and no custom, practice or agreement destructive of the family shall be recognized or given effect. Likewise, Art. 50. Of the Family Code defines “Family Relations as including those: (1) Between husband and wife; (2) Between parents and children; (3) Among brothers and sisters, whether of the full or half-blood.” The couple that founds the family therefore carries an awesome privilege and a tremendous responsibility. The married couple as parents is co-creators of human life with God the Creator. As parents, the married couple thus becomes integral agents of the cycles of eternity from generation to generation. 1. RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD Responsible Parenthood – is the will and ability to respond to the needs and aspirations of the family and children. It is a shared responsibility between husband and wife to determine and achieve the desired number and spacing of their children according to their own family life aspirations, taking into account psychological preparedness, health status, socio-cultural and economic concerns (PPMP DP 2005-2010). It is the primary right and responsibility of parents to get actively involved in the promotion of their children’s well-being through the provision of adequate care, attention and affection (Training Manual on PMC, DOH 1996) 2. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS a) Provision of physical care and love. The physical, emotional and mental health of the child depends on the quality of parental care he gets as he/she grows. Parents should provide their children with the minimum basic needs like: • Clothing that is appropriate for every occasion • Nutritious food that are not necessarily expensive • Health care • A happy home and family environment
Pre - Marriage Counseling Nurturing the Marriage and Family - A Content Guide
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