Some refer to this festive season as the “Silly Season”. The expression has been coined because it has become traditional that in this season of joy, people quickly forget about safety precautions.

However, conventional wisdom reminds us that it is always better to err on the side of caution.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday urged Corrections staff during a church service at the ANZ Stadium in Suva to put their family first. That advice comes from a leader who practises it and especially adores children.

It’s an excellent leadership trait that we should all use as a model.

The family is where it all begins. Without the support of a happy strong family, it’s pretty difficult to lead. And this applies in all facets of life.

As we get into the mood of Christmas and New Year celebrations, we need to prioritise what is important. We can give up something good for something better.

We can forgo some events or activities in order to keep our families safe and well.

It’s fashionable these days to head out to waterspots for picnics and swimming. Beware of all the risks  and danger signs.

Avoid the temptation of getting engaged in activities that may offer thrills but are high-risk.

Where children are involved, we need to think twice before we plunge into these activities.

Alcohol abuse is often common during this time leading to pain and suffering in the family. Many children do not drink and their rights to safety must be respected.

Those who violate these rights deserve no sympathy from our law enforcement officers and the courts.

It is heartening that Mr Bainimarama is spearheading the national campaign against violence and abuse against women and children. It is common that these incidents happen during this “Silly Season”. Moderation should be the buzz word and should govern everything we do.

Let’s get rid of this “Silly Season” tag. Let’s call it a “Season of Joy”. To be happy we must do the right things. Do not go with the flow. What works for one family may not necessarily work for your family because our circumstances differ. Work out a plan and prepare all the needful things for it.

Safety first should be the overriding principle. Extreme activities can be exciting for thrill-seekers. But at the same time they are putting their lives at grave risk.

Family should be our biggest asset, bigger than our cars or houses. We can replace a car or a house but we cannot replace a life that is lost through our carelessness.

Family is the basic unit of any society. We need to do everything in our power to protect it. All the work we do outside pales into insignificance when compared to the work we do in the home.

In fact the greatest work we can ever do is within the four walls of our home.

One church leader has profoundly said that,  “no success in life can compensate for failure in the home.”

So during this “Season of Joy” let’s make it a really happy occasion for the whole family.

Feedback:  nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj