Family as a System Part 2 Objective Explain

Family as a System Part 2

Objective Explain how the family operates as a social system.

Families Operate as a System A system is an interacting group of parts that form a whole. Families are social systems that work together to make decisions, set and achieve family goals. In order to understand parenting, you must look beyond the parentchild and see the family as a whole. relationship

Parenting Goes Two Ways Parenting is a two-way process that involves a give-and-take influence between parents and child.

Patterns of Behavior Evolve Healthy behavior patterns help families maintain a balance in the family system.

Family Systems Have Boundaries Family boundaries are limits that control the degree of closeness with the family system. Families that have o closed boundaries value emotional closeness, togetherness, and a sense of belonging to the family o open boundaries value independence more than a sense of belonging

Events Can Challenge Family Systems Challenges within the family include severe illness, disability of a family member, or divorce of the parents Challenges from outside the family include job loss or a natural disaster that threatens the family’s home and belongings Flexible families can often work through the challenges and restore stability

In Your Opinion Behavior patterns in family systems are often difficult to change. Why do you think this is? Think of one negative behavior pattern in your family system. What could you do to help change this to a positive one?

Objective Describe how other factors affect parents’ goals and interactions with their children.

Factors That Impact Parenting Cultural Background Early Relationships— Feelings about Children Personality Parenting Values Parenting Goals Economic Conditions Lifestyle Community and Social Policies Media and Technology Changing Gender Roles Theories

Cultural Background Cultural differences include: o where you live, religion, ethnic heritage, foods you eat, language you speak. o customs that you follow o values and beliefs within your culture o communication process during childhood o parent discipline style/consequences of misbehavior o parents helping children as adults and the child’s relationships with parents

Early Relationships Childhood family experiences provide the mental blueprint for parenting the next generation Like or dislike children Belief about a child’s environment and what behavior is reasonable o For example, parents who were close to their own parents tend to be emotionally supportive of their own children; parents who carry conflict into their parenting role often think negatively about their children’s behavior

Your Personality Your special blend of intellectual, emotional and social traits. Are you happy, optimistic and expressive about love? Or are you pessimistic, cold and distant with a bad temper?

Parenting Values What do you think is important for good parenting? o Money o Education o Spending time with them

Parenting Goals Goal: A conscious target that requires thought, planning and effort to reach. Parenting goals will affect he way you parent.

Economic Conditions Raising a family is expensive, lower the families income, the more difficult it will be to provide for a child. Social and economic factors that impact parenting are: o Occupation of the parents o Parents education o Level of income in the household Work two jobs=less time with family. Money is not the key to happiness, but it does offer security and opportunity.

Lifestyle A families lifestyles factors influence parenting such as; o location (where a family lives) o work life (parents’ jobs or careers) o leisure time (how a family spends time together)

Community and Social Policies Each community passes regulations and laws that reflect the needs of its members; these regulations affect families. Protective laws are in place so parents live up to their responsibilities. A family’s level of involvement with its community may also influences the way you parent.

Media/Technology Families use the media for information, learning, and entertainment Media can influence families in positive and negative ways Examples of technologies that may benefit families include home technology computer technology health technology Drawbacks include cost and families becoming dependent on technology.

Changing Gender Roles Compare the roles of females 100 years ago to their roles today? Theories Different Theorists, Books, Internet Blogs/Sites influence how we parent and help us to understand children better.

All Done