Family Systems Theory

   The family is a unit that, when quickly thought of, becomes something general that everyone has. But, from what I have learned this week, there are no "general" families. Each are unique, rules and systems they live by that are either making or breaking the family. But no family is just general. There is a theory about the family. It sees this unit as a whole. Everyone works off of each other and affects one another. It is called Family Systems Theory. Through roles obtained, gifted to, or placed upon (without a choice) and rules within the family, the family unit functions. We all have family rules that we live by. Most are the unspoken rules that everyone just seems to know, like no one can disrespect mom and if they do all dad has to do is look at them in a certain way. Within this system everyone affects everyone. And the problem isn't the obvious "problem" child, it's deeper than that. The problem child just shows that there is a problem within the family. He's more like the tattle-tail.  This system works circular; everyone feeds into everyone. I love this theory because I believe that no matter the issue, it is affecting each member of the family. And until that issue is found and dissolved the family will continue to suffer. All families really need is a little education on the family unit and it's processes. This is what I hope to get out of this class. I want to learn more about family processes within a family unit so that my family can be better able to communicate and understand one another. I want to have a family with clear boundaries.