Family dynamics play an essential role in the development of children. Different family members interact in diverse ways, and this defines the dynamics in a family. For example, the structure, expectations, parenting styles, and involvement determine the childhood experiences of an individual and later perception of life and the parenting role in general (Crouter & Booth, 2003). From a personal point of view, the factors above played a key role in my development. Through evaluation of own life experiences, this essay will explain the role of family dynamics in the context of major theories and conceptive of social, cognitive, and physical development during my middle childhood.
Every family has its own unique way of identifying with one another. Personally, I appreciate the role my parents played in my childhood development through their feelings and adoration. The family structure which encompasses the number of mature individuals and youngsters around greatly influences how one is treated and brought up. Responsible parenting dictates that parents should form a strong bond with a child by making sure the child identifies with every relative, develops positive qualities, associates with family encounters and establishes a strong social foundation. Therefore, parents the most intimate context for the protection and nurturing of children sine they offer love appreciation, acceptance, guidance, and encouragement. Family dynamics impacts one’s perception in the future and hence it is inherent the parents maintain healthy relationships in the familial circle.
We can do it today.
At one time, I had accompanied my mother to the grocery store and coincidentally met with my elementary school teacher. For me, it was a tense moment but then the teacher praised my academic abilities in the classroom. My parent was shocked as she considered me as a playful child who rarely concentrates in studies. The best moment came when we got home as my mother was quick to explain to my father and this made me jubilant and motivated to even work harder in my studies. When I remember that incidence at the moment, I feel that my parents had always been appreciative, caring, and loving hence transforming my life positively. My family was quick to tell me that I would become a successful health professional because my childhood dream was all about becoming a doctor in future. From this experience, it feels good to be part of a loving and warm family. When describing my character to a close friend, my parents and siblings often praise my behavior as I have always learnt to be disciplined, respective, and courageous.
Based on the theory of cognitive development by Jean Piaget, learning and growth are not motivated by repressed sexuality as Freud claims in the psychosexual stages of development. During his experiments with young adults, adolescents and children, Jean Piaget postulates that as one grows, new skills are manifested to match with one’s cognitive repertoire (Wadsworth, 1996). In relation to Piaget’s theory, I was at the concrete operational stage where one can understand much more complex and abstract concepts. Additionally, these concepts can be applied to solve concrete situations. According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, a child’s ideas regarding time and space are at times inconsistent during this particular stage. However, there exists a basic logic that helps in governing a child’s cognitive operations. In unusual situations, children may experience trouble comprehending the logical implications of the rules learnt.
The social foundation is a critical aspect in the upbringing of a child in the modern society. The worth framework that a family holds has a major significance in the growth and development of a child. For example, the feeling I experienced as an adolescent has not changed despite the fact that my cognitive senses have developed. The family values that I learnt when growing up are still evident. During the adolescent stage, parents and caregivers are required to find an appropriate balance between allowing the child to increase autonomy and maintaining a familial bond (Lerner & Castellino, 2000). Research indicates that different parenting styles affect the development of children in the family setting. The parenting style used when I was growing up was the authoritative style which has characteristics such as high expectations, clear rules, value independence and supportive. The outcomes associated with this parenting style includes high self-esteem, lower delinquency, better social skills, high academic performance, and fewer chances of developing mental illness. To conclude, family dynamics play a vital role in the development of a child. Therefore, the structure, parenting style, expectations, and involvement of caregivers in a child’s development have both negative and positive impacts. The duty of responsible parenting is toe ensure that children are in a position to grow based on the family’s dynamics.
- Crouter, A. C., & Booth, A. (Eds.). (2003). Children’s influence on family dynamics: The neglected side of family relationships. Routledge.
- Lerner, J. V., & Castellino, D. R. (2000). Parent-child relationship: Childhood. Encyclopedia of psychology, 6, 46-50.
- Wadsworth, B. J. (1996). Piaget’s theory of cognitive and affective development: Foundations of constructivism. Longman Publishing.