Family Systems Come in All Shapes and Sizes

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In order to properly summarize the question, one must start at the very basic level of simply defining what a family system is. The traditional thought of a family system is a man and a woman living together with children, but as we all know, relationships since then have evolved and are not always between a man and woman. The ideal family system encourages proper development in the child by meeting the developmental needs of the child in the areas of their emotional, physical, cultural and necessary stimuli. Today, there are same sex couples who try to function as a family system with children. By saying this I am not arguing that this is necessarily the correct way to function as a family, but all approaches to family systems have their benefits and struggles when it comes to healthy development in a child’s life. Exodus 20: 12 states “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” In this verse God outlines the family system of a man and a woman. In my person opinion I believe that it is possible to discern a healthy family system by the children and their behaviors. If children are receiving proper nourishment and are properly engaged then they will show clear signs of healthy development. Our readings from Development Across the Lifespan outline factors that play a role in development such as a child’s nutrition, their environment, environmental factors such as culture, language development, and their sense of self. All of these factors are things in which a family is expected to provide to a child in order to promote healthy development. If a child is lacking something such as nutrition, then the child could not grow properly. For example, our text states, “Becau... ... middle of paper ... ...cially depending on if the effect is positive or negative. Overall, family systems play an important role in a child’s development socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It is up to the family system have a positive influence on a child in order to help with positive growth and development versus hindering it with negative influences. As Christians it is our job to do our best to help and pray for those family systems that are not functioning properly for the sake of the child. 1 Timothy 5:8 states, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” In this verse it can be assumed that in good time God will take care of those parents who cannot take care of their own children, however all we can do is pray and reach out to those in need within our own limits.

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