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Essay / Family Systems - 654
The relationships between family systems and healthy development are symbiotic: the interdependence between the two helps define an individual's identity and how they interact within society. The family system is the starting point for any initial development of understanding how to move through life. Children are inspired by their parents, who are their first teachers. “Listen, my son, to the instructions of your father and do not abandon the teaching of your mother. They will be a garland to adorn your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9, King James Version). Children are a direct product of their environment; certain conditions must be met to produce a fulfilled, confident and autonomous human being. A healthy family system exists in an authoritarian environment where there are flexible rules. Rules are not created to be broken; rather, it is about instilling values such as trust, responsibility, respect and communication. This type of family system requires balance, where everyone's role is defined. If children react negatively to a decision or question the rules, parents don't act like it's an inconvenience. Questions are seen as learning opportunities to discuss decisions; that promote confidence and problem-solving skills. According to Vygotsky, children gradually grow intellectually and function independently with the help provided to them by adults (Feldman, 2014). With this help, children learn to reproduce expected behaviors when interacting with others. They are well adjusted socially and emotionally and are not afraid to express an opinion. There are three unhealthy systems that negatively impact healthy development through imposed restrictions, intentional avoidance, or rigidity...... middle of paper ...... prompting children to respond violently or aggressively based on what they have seen or not learned. The term development implies less and more growth (Roehlkepartain, 2006, p. 10). Healthy development depends on healthy interpersonal relationships that also cultivate and shape spiritual development (Roehlkepartian, 2006). To avoid creating a dysfunctional family system, positive touches are necessary to reduce anxiety and internal conflict while increasing self-confidence. Reciprocity becomes part of a young person's self-concept when culture, family, peers, and spirituality influence emerging minds. This influence encourages a thought process of helping others, showing empathy towards others while practicing self-control; instead of a situation where the individual's learning is not maximized due to minimal or no social exchange with others.