Needed family-oriented policies in promoting education and well-being in time of economic crisis: Special on International Day of Families 2026

International Day of Families (May 15) is observed annually to promote stronger family bonding in social development of the humanity. The UN deems that family is foundation of the development through social skills and norms for enhancing family bonding and strength. The theme of the year 2026 is "Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing." Accordingly, the theme of the observance this year is to emphasise the significance of the families in the context of the on-going economic crisis resulting into a time of trial and test.

The families stuck at homes during the distressful times of individual and social fears caused by the pandemic and economic crises require collective and reflective review of current social and economic processes affecting them. For this, scenario planning with coping strategies is required through collective action of all members of the family, I think. At the government's level, focus should be on the family-oriented policies in promoting education, social protection, health and well-being of family members. There is also a suggestion for 'positive parenting education’ by schools for developing a stronger caring and supportive relationship between the school, parents and children.

Present Economic Crisis and Family Plight: A Poem

In crisis, where life's a hard fight,

Families struggle, day and night.

With incomes so thin, help out of sight,

Public systems must make things right.

In tough times, when futures strain,

When survival feels the pain.

With money shifting, hard to hold,

And caring less than we've been told.

We need a system, big and wide,

To keep us safe, side by side.