The Effects of Family Dynamics on the Development of Children

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Over the past few decades, the pattern of family dynamics has changed drastically in the United States. Children growing up in a family with both the biological mother and father present used to be considered the traditional way of life. However, as society has changed, so has the perspective that a two-parent family is considered the norm. Therefore, the decision is not left up to the child to decide the lifestyle that they will be born into. Children are taught how to behave and are given the basis of what to expect out of life by what they learn from the family they are raised in (“Understanding Family Dynamics”). A strong support system in early childhood, no matter the family dynamics, will greatly influence a child’s development.

It has been shown in many statistics in the United States that family structure contributes directly and indirectly to certain characteristics of a child’s overall well-being. Family dynamics are the interaction between family members, as well as the relationships that exist within a family (“Understanding Family Dynamics”). The development of a child is impacted by the experiences he or she faces throughout childhood. For example, if a child feels safe and secure within their own family, he or she will begin to develop a strong form of self-esteem. A family is better defined by what the people in them do for each other rather than the stereotype based on the members that make up a family.

Society used to assume that children needed the stability of a traditional, two-parent family in order to thrive (“Why Children Need Married Parents”). This basic social unit is called a nuclear family. A nuclear family consists of a mother, father, and their biological children (Edwards). Durin...

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Stevens, Larry. "Single vs Two-Parent Families, child development and society." Examiner. 1 Apr 2011. Web. 25 Apr 2014. .

Thomas, Daniel. "Facts About a Two-Parent Family." Everyday Life. GlobalPost, Web. 25 Apr 2014. .

"Understanding the Reasons: Family Dynamics." Strong Bonds - Building Family Connections. Web. 26 Apr 2014. .

"Why Children Need Married Parents." United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Web. 25 Apr 2014. .

Wolf, Jennifer. "Single Parent Statistics." Web. 26 Apr 2014. .

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