FamilyDrive

FamilyDrive is about your family, relationships and how important keeping a family unit together is.

Everyone defines their family differently; some people have very close, big extended families, where everyone works together, and others have close tight knit families. Some people are virtually alone. Here we’re defining ‘family’ as the group of people we care most about. Typically, it’s parents and children, but as we said it varies.

In a way children are the most important, as they have no choice but to be dependent on someone, normally their parents. We want to look after them, make sure they’re healthy and happy, and provide for their future.

FamilyDrive looks at different events that can happen to a family, and how you can be helped and supported during and after these events, and how in some cases you can plan for some of them.. In this fast-paced life it’s not easy for anyone to manage, grow and maintain a healthy family, and FamilyDrive provides a helping hand. Financial family wellness is really important because it affects the whole family not just the individual. Once we are on the journey it is so important to stop for a moment and think about protecting each stage of growth or development in your family situation. Also to think about the consequences if you were not there to guide the way forward.

Click on a heading below and see a summary, and if you're interested you can GO and read more about it!

FamilyDrive

Welcome to FamilyDrive. FamilyDrive is about families, relationships and how important keeping a family unit together is.

Everyone defines their family differently; some people have very close, big extended families, where everyone works together, and others have close tight knit families. Some people are virtually alone. Here we’re defining ‘family’ as the group of people we care most about. Typically, it’s parents and children, but as we said it varies.

Click on a heading below and see a summary, and if you're interested you can GO and read more about it!

Here are some initial thoughts about family. GO!

Here are some facts and stats  about family. GO!

A strong family network is good for children and for families too.  GO!

There are benefits to your physical health in spending time with your family. GO!

Spening time with your family improves your mental health too. GO!

Time flies, and it’s the same with families.  GO!

Wellness is important to families as well as individuals  GO!

See what can be done when a family breaks up.  GO!

Can you make co-parenting work?  GO!

If you’re a visitor to our site you can join and download information, assess your own health and create your own action plans, and even contribute to our site.  GO!

We have a video and a testimaonial. GO!

See the next steps you can take. GO!

We have some additional information and stuff on this subject. GO!

Some Initial Thoughts

family saying

The family seems to be the most underappreciated group on the planet

We often don’t realise or truly appreciate what a good family upbringing is.

Family is the single most important influence in a child's life. From their first moments of life, children depend on parents and family to protect them and provide for their needs. Parents and family form a child's first relationships.

As children grow they learn to communicate emotions in a healthy way primarily by observing their family members. By doing things together, family members enhance the emotional development among children.

Remember, we were children once!

Facts About Family

families
0.1 million

In 2020 there were 19.4 million families, an increase of 1.4% on the previous year, with a 7.4% increase over the decade from 2010 to 2020.

Marriages declining
3.6%

In 2019 Marriages in the uk are declining on average of 3.6% : Statistica.com

lone parent families
0.1 million

There were 2.9 million lone parent families in 2020 this is up from 1.8 in 2017

People living alone
4%

The number of people living alone in the UK has increased by 4.0% over the last 10 years; in 2020 the proportion of one-person households ranged from 22.8% in London to 33.6% in Scotland and the North East of England: ONS

married people
0.1 million

In 2019 there were over 24.1 million married people: statistica.com

Divorces
Marriages 42%

42% of marriages in the UK end in divorce. The latest statistics show that 108,421 couples divorced in 2019 this is an increase of 8.9% :ONS

for women to marry
1 average age

Average age for heterosexual marriage 35 for women and 38 for men 2021; harperbazaar.com

Birth rate decrease
4.1%

4.1% decrease in birth rate in 2021. This decreasing trend continues and reached a record low in 2020

strong family network

Why a strong family network is good for children and families?

We know that social and emotional skills – such as self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, emotional regulation and responsible decision-making – play a crucial role in a person’s development. Research shows that children from strong family backgrounds with stronger social and emotional skills are more likely to graduate from college or university, to succeed in their careers, to have positive work and family relationships, to have good mental and physical health, and to become engaged citizens. They are less likely to get involved in crime or antisocial behaviour.

Here we show some facts and figures you might find interesting about debts around the world.

According to Wikipedia. "In economics, the debt-to-GDP ratio is the ratio between a country's government debt (measured in units of currency) and its gross domestic product (GDP) (measured in units of currency per year). A low debt-to-GDP ratio indicates an economy that produces and sells goods and services is sufficient to pay back debts without incurring further debt.""

The chart on the right shows that (surprisingly for us) Japan has by far the highest debt-to-GDP ratio at 257%. The UK is shown in the 4th tier at 109%, and the US in the third tier at 133%

older couple glass full or empty

Health Benefits of Spending Time with Family

In our world of pervasive screen time and social media, many of us have actually become less social in the ways that are not only beneficial, but essential to our mental and physical well-being. A Cigna study from the American Journal of Health Promotion indicated that excessive social media use is one of the biggest risk factors for loneliness..

We need in-person interactions to reap the full benefits of social connection. Those who experience less loneliness cultivate meaningful relationships, including a social network and a committed relationship..

See the tabs below for more information.

family improves mental health

Improves Mental Health

Spending time with family—especially face-to-face communication, as opposed to digital—significantly reduces the occurrence of depression, anxiety, and other mental illness. Being physically present with loved ones creates a strong emotional support to buoy you up through life’s challenges.

family situations

Family Situations

Time really does fly and each 7 years or so we go through mental and physical change. AS a child we don’t feel the time flying on the contrary school seems to be forever, but from a parent’s perspective each 5 years feels like 1.5 years.

In our twenties we are so focused learning all about life, enjoying our adult freedom and following our career path. Before we realise it we are 30.

Talk to anyone 55 and they will say my god I cannot believe I am 55 it seems like 25 years was really 10, What happened?

The tabs below look at some different family situations, some based on age and some on circumstance.    Bear in mind the above quote – each day is important!

face ageing
family wellness

Family Wellness

As parents and grandparents and leaders of the family it is so important to take that view. We are leaders of this family group and our collective jobs is the make sure this clan, tribe, survives and prospers in all ways.

See the tabs below for more information.

family break ups

Family break ups

Unfortunately, relationships can break down. People fall in and out of love. Children are often caught in the middle with custody battles and access always a problem. These are often the main issues as well as who is paying or getting what financially. Over time these things can be ironed out either between two sensible people or through the legal channels. But love is very emotive and break ups are rarely equal. Sensible balanced parents should think; we haven’t fallen out of love with the children and they must be the key priority. Alas this is often not the case in many situations adults try to use a child either as a weapon or deliberately use the children for revenge. Parents what happens to children should think jointly about what is best for the child...

Marriage breakup can have some positive as well as negative impacts; it is still fair to say that in a traditional household the mothers still bear more of the child duties than the father. In a divorced situation the father has to step up and be mum and dad when the children are with him and vice versa the mother has to do the same. From a child’s perspective if they have lots of love from both parents then life can be good; two birthdays, two sets of school holidays, two festive holidays. Statistics show that within a split relationship parents will spend more quality or focused time with their children as it’s often split between them. The question is; is it better to be a child growing up in a family with two unhappy adults who fight all the time or be with two parents who are happier apart.

co-parenting

Co- Parenting can it be a success?

Co Parenting can be a success for all concerned if the parents act like adults. The animosity against each other eats away like a cancer at a family causing atmosphere, unhappiness, violence and aggression even verbal. Children can come to terms; they are very adaptive if co-parent put them first and create a new loving and strong and dependable environment. But that is easier said than done. But there are many good examples. A co parent that holds a grudge or hatred for their ex-partner can cause immeasurable damage to a child, even if the co parent is tries to conceal it.

For visitors

Why don't you join us?

You can register to join us as a member, when you’ll be able to download our stuff and comment, or as a YouDriver when you’ll also be able to check your health and set up your own action plans to make some improvements.  If you’ve already registered, sign in below. Or let us know what you think.

Focus on the family

Focus on the family

Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Shannon Warden compare family life to renovating a home — you need a good “blueprint” or plan for how you want your family to grow, and a solid foundation of godly character traits like kindness, love, forgiveness, building trust, building connection, and having fun together.

Parents and kids need to be “all in” and working as a team to instil these traits into their relationships.

Dr. Chapman also talks about the 5 Love Languages, and Dr. Warden shares several stories about parenting her own children.

"Families are like fudge - mostly sweet, with a few nuts"
Les Dawson
Les Dawson
English comedian, actor, writer, presenter

Next Steps

It doesn’t matter what stage  you’re at – it’s important to be the best you can be.  At the end of the day it’s about taking personal responsibility – You Drive!

It’s really your choice. You can find out more information about the subject, or see other institutions that can help by going to Support. There you will find organisations, training, coaching, self-help courses and other items to support your personal change. We have also started developing a panel of experts to provide info, advice, help and support. 

Get Support

There are times when you need some help to meet your aims –  a helping hand. That might be  an organisation that can provide you with some help,  some specialised information or support, or just getting some background reading material.

You can see these by clicking the Support button here.  Some products or services contain affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made through these links

Experts

We are compiling a list of experts who can provide advice, help or specialised services.  You will be able to access these experts from anywhere on our site you see our ‘Experts’ symbol.  Click the green E to see what our Experts list will look like, with a couple of imaginary ‘experts’ added!

More Information

Scroll down to see more information on this Drive. 

If you register you can also download reports, white papers, quizzes and other collaterals.  We will never ask you for any financial information, and we’ll only send you the information you want. You can register for our site either above or in the footer below.  You can provide your own questions and experiences in order to help other members.  We only moderate for spam and inflammatory language – see our moderation policy.

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More information

Raising Kids Who Care

Practical conversations for exploring stuff that matters, together

PRIZE WINNER: BEST INDIE AND ROYAL DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARDS
Imagine knowing what your kids care about, having them listen to what you care about, then doing something about it, together! Communication and connection are the key, and this is exactly what this book allows you to do. It guides you through 40 conversations to have with your kids, ones that really matter. You will start having meaningful fun, learn to build friendships, grow in contentment, explore issues, and decide how to make an authentic contribution to the world, together.


Go to Amazon

FUNdamentals of Parenting

12 Fun Strategies To Build Strong Family Relationships

The best compliment I can give Jaime’s work is I’m going to make this required reading for all parents who walk through my door. No joke. Required reading. – Jon Filitti, LMHC, Filitti Counselling


Go to Amazon

Stop Missing Your Life

Don’t Look Back In Regret – You Only Live Once Make The Most of It

I challenge each and every one of you to live your life to the fullest, to live a life without regret, and that starts by taking action on the things that matters the most. It is not always about becoming a millionaire or a billionaire, because money can’t buy everything. Remind yourself that life is short and not worth wasting.


Go to Amazon

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read

(and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did): THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

In this Sunday Times bestseller, leading psychotherapist Philippa Perry reveals the vital do’s and don’ts of relationships.


Go to Amazon

Your Journey to Co-Parenting

This book is an introduction to co-parenting. It offers a jump-start to effective co-parenting for young, never-married, and/or non-custodial parents seeking to improve their child’s well-being and chances for a brighter future.


Go to Amazon

See how to couch your financial fitness as set out by MoneyHelper

See how much a baby costs with this calculator from MoneyHelper

Look at the options for separation / divorce as set out by MoneyHelper

Download the School Transition and Adjustment Research Study (STARS) report from UCL and Cardiff University on making the move to secondary school

Download the WiseUp report from the National Childrens Bureau Young Minds on prioritising wellbeing in schools

YouDriveHealth

At YouDriveHealth we can provide you with information, tools, calculators and also support for may aspects of health – physical, financial and mental.  If you register by entering your email address then when you sign in you can comment and contribute.

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Stuff you might want regarding family

Now you’ve read about family you might want to make a bit of a statement.  Have a look at some stuff below we think has some humour value!  We may make pennies on commission, but that’s not the point really.  Click on the image to see more details.

Living Our Best Lives

Cannon Hall Farm

The tough and touching tale of a real Yorkshire family farm.

In the 60 years that Yorkshire farmer Roger Nicholson has lived at Cannon Hall Farm near Barnsley, he has turned what was once a humble small family farm into an inspiring success story.

 

Go to Amazon

Mummy Mug with 2 Kids

Go to Amazon

I am the best Stepdad – Family Tee-Shirt

Go to Amazon

Womens Funny Gangsta Aunt Aunties Titas Family Matching Tee-Shirt

Go to Amazon

ROYAL family king queen prince princess babygrow and adult t-shirts organic soft cotton gift for family newborn

Go to Amazon

Your Journey to Co-Parenting

This book is an introduction to co-parenting. It offers a jump-start to effective co-parenting for young, never-married, and/or non-custodial parents seeking to improve their child’s well-being and chances for a brighter future.


Go to Amazon

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read

(and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did): THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

In this Sunday Times bestseller, leading psychotherapist Philippa Perry reveals the vital do’s and don’ts of relationships.


Go to Amazon

Stop Missing Your Life

Don’t Look Back In Regret – You Only Live Once Make The Most of It

I challenge each and every one of you to live your life to the fullest, to live a life without regret, and that starts by taking action on the things that matters the most. It is not always about becoming a millionaire or a billionaire, because money can’t buy everything. Remind yourself that life is short and not worth wasting.


Go to Amazon

FUNdamentals of Parenting

12 Fun Strategies To Build Strong Family Relationships

The best compliment I can give Jaime’s work is I’m going to make this required reading for all parents who walk through my door. No joke. Required reading. – Jon Filitti, LMHC, Filitti Counselling


Go to Amazon

Raising Kids Who Care

Practical conversations for exploring stuff that matters, together

PRIZE WINNER: BEST INDIE AND ROYAL DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARDS
Imagine knowing what your kids care about, having them listen to what you care about, then doing something about it, together! Communication and connection are the key, and this is exactly what this book allows you to do. It guides you through 40 conversations to have with your kids, ones that really matter. You will start having meaningful fun, learn to build friendships, grow in contentment, explore issues, and decide how to make an authentic contribution to the world, together.


Go to Amazon

A Butterfly Life: 4 Keys to More Happiness, Better Health and Letting Your True Self Shine

Times of change can be a challenge, no doubt! Whether it’s a relationship breakup, job loss, or being diagnosed with a serious health issue. Or you may WANT things to be different, but it feels a little scary or overwhelming. The butterfly reminds us change can be beautiful, even necessary, in order to realize our full potential and live our best life.