Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs signed off last week on Cullman’s participation in the celebration of Family Day and Family Week upcoming later this month, bringing the city in on the larger nationwide commemoration of the positive influence that parents can have on their kids.

Jacobs named Sept. 30 as Family Day, with Family Week running from Sept. 29 through Oct. 5. During that time, city officials hope local parents will place an extra emphasis spend time with their families and participate in community activities that help strengthen family ties.

To encourage awareness and participation locally, The Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) and the Alabama Family Rights Association are promoting social media hashtags #MyFamilySelfie and #FamilyDayAL19 as places where parents can post and share pictures of their Family Week outings and activities.

“Children are our future and society’s greatest asset, and committed families shape and guide children by preparing them for obstacles and encouraging them to overcome life’s demanding challenges,” Jacobs said in the proclamation.

“Statistics show that children who spend significant time with both parents show lower risks of suicide, dropout, teen pregnancy, incarceration, and drug above. However, approximately 40,000 children in Alabama alone see one parent for only two to six days a month.”

Organizers promote how simple and easy family time can be to achieve, reminding that it doesn’t require elaborate planning or expense. “Simple activities like sharing a meal, having a conversation, or reading a book together can have an enormous impact on the life of a child and create a solid foundation for the future health and happiness of that child,” explains CASA.

For more information about national Family Day and Family Week, visit CASAFamilyDay.org.