DB3 1 
Essay 1
The definition of family has changed dramatically over the last decade and is no longer defined as a mother, father and children. Family structures differ due to circumstances such as death of a spouse, divorce and single or cohabitating parents. If there is no “norm” with regards to family structure, how can one discern a healthy family system?
Healthy family system The success of a family relies upon several factors; the characteristics of members as individuals, family interactions and how the family as a “unit” fulfills the functions and responsibilities of the family. Attributes that contribute to a healthy family include effective communication, clearly defined roles, commitment, spiritual wellness and quality time spent together. “Family offers children a basic sense of security, accountability and stability” (Sun & Li 2011) I believe the same can be said for the adult members of the family as well.
Unhealthy family system As mentioned earlier, there are several circumstances that can change a healthy family system into an unhealthy family system or “fragile” family (Waldfogel, Craigie & Brooks-Gunn 2010). Family instability occurs when one or more changes are made in the family structure. Divorce is one instance that will challenge the stability of the family. The reality is that many children are living in two separate family systems after biological parents divorce. Each of these families will have different characteristics, roles and interactions. Children living in these families will struggle with stress and anxiety over the expectations of each family. Another increasingly popular unhealthy family system is that of the single-parent. “The number of single-parent families has increased significantly in the last three decades as the number of two-parent households had declined” (Feldman 2014). The third unhealthy family system that will be discussed in this essay is the cohabitating-couple family. Each of these scenarios provides for an
The definition of family has changed dramatically over the last decade and is no longer defined as a mother, father and children. Family structures differ due to circumstances such as death of a spouse, divorce and single or cohabitating parents. If there is no “norm” with regards to family structure, how can one discern a healthy family system?
Healthy family system The success of a family relies upon several factors; the characteristics of members as individuals, family interactions and how the family as a “unit” fulfills the functions and responsibilities of the family. Attributes that contribute to a healthy family include effective communication, clearly defined roles, commitment, spiritual wellness and quality time spent together. “Family offers children a basic sense of security, accountability and stability” (Sun & Li 2011) I believe the same can be said for the adult members of the family as well.
Unhealthy family system As mentioned earlier, there are several circumstances that can change a healthy family system into an unhealthy family system or “fragile” family (Waldfogel, Craigie & Brooks-Gunn 2010). Family instability occurs when one or more changes are made in the family structure. Divorce is one instance that will challenge the stability of the family. The reality is that many children are living in two separate family systems after biological parents divorce. Each of these families will have different characteristics, roles and interactions. Children living in these families will struggle with stress and anxiety over the expectations of each family. Another increasingly popular unhealthy family system is that of the single-parent. “The number of single-parent families has increased significantly in the last three decades as the number of two-parent households had declined” (Feldman 2014). The third unhealthy family system that will be discussed in this essay is the cohabitating-couple family. Each of these scenarios provides for an
References: Feldman, R. S. (2014). Development across the life span (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Lugo-Gil, J. & Tamis-LeMonda, C. (2008) Family resources and parenting quality: Links to children’s cognitive development across the first 3 years. Child Development, 79(4), pp1065-1085 Sun, Y. & Li, Y. (2011) Effects of family structure type and stability on children’s academic performance trajectories. Journal of Marriage and Family, 73, pp 541-556. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2011.00825.x Waldfogel, J., Craigie, T. & Brooks-Dunn, J.(2010) Fragile families and child well-being. Fragile Families, 20(2), pp 87-112