On the campus of BYU---Idaho, the Department of Home and Family is flourishing despite the world’s ever increasing disregard for homemaking skills.

“At this university, all the home and family classes are filled, and it’s because we have and teach LDS values. We keep adding classes, so that is a positive thing for this department and campus,” said Teresa Blakely, a staff member of the Department of Home and Family.

According to www.byui.edu/HomeandFamily, BYU---I students are taught to lead healthy homes and families. The Department of Home and Family offers classes in family, parenting, culinary arts, home décor, money management and more. 

“Most individuals hope for a happy home and family life. Many young people know the statistics on the limited opportunities and/or chances to achieve that goal, and they are seeking the best information and counsel available to cope with the complex social organization we call a family,” said Joan R. McFadden in the article “Family Life Education and University Outreach” published by the National Council on Family Relations. 

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” has become an outline to guide faculty members in teaching the significance of the traditional home and family to create a happy home life.

“We try to teach family values here… all [Home and Family Department] classes are basically because the family should be the central part of society,” Blakely said.

Blakely also explained that because Satan is working so hard to undermine families, the Department of Home and Family teaches how to make nice homes.

 “As families become more open to review and analysis, the resultant research findings can help individuals understand their own families and those of close friends. Ideally, family life education programs at colleges and universities provide individuals with just such information,” McFadden said.

The Department of Home and Family co-sponsors with the Division of Continuing Education to offer a Home and Family Conference where single and married students and members of the community are invited to participate in classes and workshops that focus on topics that will strengthen the home and family. The next Home and Family Conference will take place on March 13, 2010.

Lauren Villaroman

Assistant Academic Editor