Family Systems
The concept of family was introduced in the very beginning of the Creation as stated in Genesis 1:28. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, family is the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children; also: any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family (a single-parent family). It is clear that today's families do not portray that traditional system. The family system today may be a home with mom and dad, or a single parent home with just mom or dad; an aunt, uncle, or both; or even a grandparent or grandparents. The question is how a family system will affect the healthy development? A family system functions because it is a unit, and every family member plays a critical, if not unique, role in the system (Smith, n.d.). If there are any changes in an individual family member, then changes will occur throughout the system. A key feature of the systems view of families is the concept of ‘homeostasis', which is defined as the tendency to maintain internal stability or equilibrium to resist change (Santrock, 2003, p. 426). For example, if you are in an air-conditioned room and walk out into the heat of a summer day, your body automatically releases perspiration to keep your body functioning in an optimal level. In contrast when there is a disruption in the family balance, this may cause dysfunction or disequilibrium.
Discerning a healthy family system
According to Victor Hinson (Liberty University, 2014) a healthy functioning family allows Christ to rule their lives. Other characteristics that distinguish a healthy family system are daily interactions between child and parents; when parents are warm, nurture, sensitive, and responsive to their children's needs they contribute to their emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development. These daily interactions help children develop a sense of self. Self-concept is a person's identity or set of...