The Dynamics of Family Structure and Its Impact on Educational Achievement

The article “Understanding Families” by Linda Garris Christian expresses six characteristics that apply to Family Systems Theory and to the environment provided by early childhood educators. Boundaries are a characteristic that may set limits as well as emphasizes togetherness. The article states that for some families the behavior of the child is the reflection on the whole family. Refereed to this behavior as being enmeshed. As a provider and early childhood educator, my experience was with a family that I considered enmeshed.

According to Minuchin (1985), six basic principles outline the Family Systems theory. Each principle describes the function in which a family and its subsystems operate and the inextricable relationships within the system. The first principle of Minuchin’s (1985) theory implies that each member develops and is enveloped within the family unit, while the second principle states that there is a continuous loop in which each member feeds the behaviours of another. Thirdly, family systems have homeostatic elements which restore the family back to its equilibrium when disarrayed (Minuchin, 1985).

The most direct and meaningful impact on children’s education and advancement of social competence comes from parents and families. Students work harder, excel more, show attitudes and behavior that is positive, and feel at ease in new settings. Educators must connect to families so that they may develop relationships that employ them as active partners in their children’s learning

The underlying concepts in the article directly relate to family systems theory. Family systems theory states that all members of a family are reciprocal and impact on one another, all parts of the family change and the family works as a whole instead of a number of smaller sections (Missouri Department of Social Services, 2014). The concept of the interconnected nature of a family is highlighted in this article as it states that children will be impacted by the behaviour and experiences of the parents during early stages of

In the world of Early Elementary Education, it is important to collaborate with not only the students but also the families of students, and keep them informed about the everyday routines of school life. In 1st grade, the students and families are excited, but also scared, to be acclimated to new school hours. This is necessary to the overall academic performance, and outcomes of all students, as well as helping families and students come together. When educators and families develop good collaboration skills, many positive factors can happen. This includes academic achievement increasing, disciplinary problems decreasing, and attendance increasing. In the article “8 Tips for a Great Parent Communication Plan,” by Nikkie

Systems theory is a lens with which to view human behavior in relation to interactions with different systems, such as family, school, work, and community (Rogers, 2016). Assessing how families function through a systems theory lens allows social workers to examine and understand the different systems that affect the family and the individual. It is a necessary tool in identifying how a family functions in relation to the systems in which it exists as well as identifying what influences are affecting the family. Recognizing these many influences will allow the social worker to understand strengths, weaknesses, and issues of the individual members of the family, as well as the family system as a whole (Thomlison, 2010).

Amato, P. R. (2005). The impact of family formation change on the cognitive, social, and emotional well-being of the next generation. Journal of Marriage and Child Wellbeing, 15 (2), 75-90. Retrieved from: www.futureofchildren.org.

Undeniably, every family worldwide aspires to provide a better future for their children and wish for them to be happy and thrive as they grow up. However, based on the studies in Unequal Childhoods by Dr. Annette Lareau, it is shown that cultural logic of child-rearing and the general success of children’s academic studies are significantly dependent and impacted by economically societal differences and family setting.

When I consider family systems, I am reminded of a metaphor I heard while in undergraduate school about a mobile. A mobile is used to soothe an infant, normally placed above a crib or basinet. Each of its parts are in balance, when working correctly, however if one section becomes off balance the objects become out of sync. This is true with families. If each member of the family unit is doing their part, there is complete balance or homeostasis (Henson). This balance is viewed as a healthy family system. However, if one part of the unit becomes off balance, it disrupts the whole unit causing an unhealthy response with possible long term consequences. As families grow, each member plays an equally important role in the family unit. Children learn quickly the importance of relationships and adapt quickly to their environment. No one can deny the family unit is the most complex system in existence.

The article “Strategic Parenting, Birth Order, and School Performance” explored the topic of birth order and parenting practices and its effect on academic success. Hotz and Pantano (2015) found that as birth order increased parents would be less inclined to punish their child for bad grades resulting in greater academic achievement. Both the

Throughout the years, the family dynamics has changed; as far as how each family member interacts with one another over preferences or who share common interests with one another. Although each family unit varies, family members must be cohesive this is where the family dynamics come into action. Difficult situations that families may encounter can cause a bit of imbalance within the family dynamics and are often described as dysfunctional, conflict of personal interest with one another can also be a factor or they disagree. Other times, families often argue over a family member who disapproves of what the other family member is doing with their life. Family dynamics is are not always powered by common interest and goals but rather some other

The article Reflections on “Family Structure and Child Well-Being: Economic Resources vs. Parental Socialization” analyzed importance of two correlations of parental resources, time and money in family structures and the association of the children’s outcomes in academics and socio-emotional development. The Family structures that were analyzed were as married-parent, stepparent, cohabiting parent, divorced-mother and never-married mother families, which the results showed that economic disadvantage between cohabiting parents and single parent comparing with married parent families. Also, the lack of economic resources caused more disadvantages in non-traditional family structures t than parenting comparing with married parent families. (Thomson 2012).

Ultimately, family system theory seeks to identify the complexities of the family and the underlying factors that drive and are influenced by family

In system theory, behaviors and family members responses influence the family pattern and life. Meanings and values are vital components of the

The theory in this study concentrated on four illustrations that might provide insight on the observation of negative correlations between divorced parents and children's education achievements.