News Release: FAMILY AND HOME NETWORK URGES SUPPORT OF FAMILIES THIS KIDSDAY August 2002

For more information, contact: Susan DeRitis 703-866-4164 media@FamilyAndHome.org

FAIRFAX, VA -- In honor of National KidsDay, August 4, 2002, the national non-profit organization, Family and Home Network shares the following vision statement:

Universal recognition of the critical importance of parents’ emotional engagement with their children; societal support for the need of parents and children to spend generous amounts of time together; profound respect for parents who make these commitments and acknowledgment of the short- and long-term benefits to society.

Since 1984, Family and Home Network has offered support and encouragement to parents who forgo or cut back on paid employment to nurture their children. Our award-winning monthly journal, Welcome Home, is written by and for parents who provide insightful and informative essays, poetry, art work, public policy/media reports, parent-to-parent problem solving, and much more. For almost 20 years, Family and Home Network has served families who seek affirmation, inspiration, and a sense of community as they raise their children. Through our efforts, the collective voice of thousands of parents is heard loud and clear – our children are our present and our future.

Family and Home Network accomplishes its goals by:

Publishing Welcome Home, which reaches thousands of families across the United States, Canada and overseas;

Publishing our books, Discovering Motherhood and Motherhood: Journey into Love;

Providing information on parenting, affordability, networking, transitioning and more on our web site: www.FamilyAndHome.org;

Communicating with the media, parents’ groups, medical professionals, public policy organizations, government officials and others;

Maintaining an advocacy role on behalf of parents who spend generous amounts of time nurturing their children.

Family and Home Network Our Vision: Universal recognition of the critical importance of parents' emotional engagement with their children; societal support for the need of parents and children to spend generous amounts of time together; profound respect for parents who make these commitments and acknowledgement of the short- and long-term benefits to society. Our Mission: Advocate for parents and children of all ages concerning their need for generous amounts of time together; Affirm the choice to be home through the many stages of parenthood to nurture children of all ages; Provide parent-to-parent support, education and networking; Correct society's misconceptions and refute stereotypes about parenting; Encourage respect for the contributions made by each parent, as couples share decisions regarding nurturing and providing for their families; Empower all parents to preserve and improve the opportunity to forgo or cut back on paid employment; and Educate society about the benefits of parents and children being emotionally engaged and spending generous amounts of time together.