blog




  • Essay / Family systems must be built on solid foundations

    Buildings strong enough to withstand a storm must be built on solid ground. Just like a building, a family must be built on strong and healthy foundations to be able to face life's challenges. Families operate on their own system. These systems may be made up of a combination of individual moral sets, traditional traits, and religious expectations. These traits may differ depending on the culture, region, and religious beliefs of families. As a member of a large, multicultural Christian family, my family system can differ dramatically from that of a small European family. As a child in a multicultural family, I was encouraged to be expressive and curious, but only within the appropriate framework. I was taught to sit quietly and still in church out of respect for the Lord, but at home I was encouraged to run and explore all that the outdoors had to offer. That changed once I reached school age, because gender roles and expectations came into play. The wild and free things I once did as the only 7-year-old girl before first grade were no longer acceptable because they went against the norms of femininity. I was abruptly stripped of my tomboyish ways at the age of 6 and I remember the feeling of isolation. Suddenly I went from climbing trees and riding my bike as fast as I could down the driveway, to watching boys climb trees while I played with Barbie, and being told that not scaring my legs was more valuable than winning a bike race against my brother. Same-sex preferences develop during the preschool years and are similar across cultures. (Feldman, 2013 p.243). As the only girl, being encouraged to adopt gender-appropriate behaviors and promote same-sex preference encouraged me to develop...... middle of paper ...... are their first and their most intimate, which is why it has such a profound impact on their lives. The parenting style used by the child's parents can make or break their child's emotional development. If the parent puts a lot of stress on their child, it could affect their physical and social development. These negative attributes could lead to decreased verbalization, skill development, problem solving, and learning. Encouraging spiritual growth throughout a child's life can influence their ability to cope with areas they are lacking and find a positive outlet for their distress. This can promote the continued development of individuals and society (Roehlkepartain, 2013 p. 21)ReferencesFeldman, RS (2014). Development throughout life. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. University, Liberty. (Director). (2014). Being a parent [Video].