Family Struture
The Structure of the Family
Elkin and Handel (1978) defined “the family as the first unit with which children have a continuous contact and the first context in which socialization patterns develop” (p.118). The Family Pediatrics Report (2003) explained that the development of children is significantly influenced by interpersonal relationships within the family. Children who are raised by 2 parents, who are both responsible and dedicated, usually perform well in school (family structure section, para1). Affection and protection are evidently crucial for the health of a child. Thus children need to receive love and protection for their healthy emotional development. Critical to emotional needs of children is the nature of family structure. Losing one person in a group of two destroys the relationship. Structure, therefore, creates a greater need for maintenance of the relationship through the expression of affection. The denial of negative feelings may restrict problem solving efforts (Phelan, 1979) . According to The Family Pediatrics Report (2003), the risks for emotional, behavioral, and educational problems are lower among children in 2-parent households on average. The apparent advantage of the 2-parent household structure is that it facilitates effective parenting behaviors, but it does not guarantee success. A stable, well-functioning family is potentially the most secure, supportive, and nurturing environment in which children may be raised (family structure section, para.1).
The Function of the Family
The organization of the family has direct effect on the children. The first social relationship of children is familial, where children acquire their first experiences of being treated as persons in their own right. Children receive care for their dependency and attention for their sociability. The kind of care and attention children receive during their early years of life affect their handling of important issues, such as trust vs.distrust and
Elkin and Handel (1978) defined “the family as the first unit with which children have a continuous contact and the first context in which socialization patterns develop” (p.118). The Family Pediatrics Report (2003) explained that the development of children is significantly influenced by interpersonal relationships within the family. Children who are raised by 2 parents, who are both responsible and dedicated, usually perform well in school (family structure section, para1). Affection and protection are evidently crucial for the health of a child. Thus children need to receive love and protection for their healthy emotional development. Critical to emotional needs of children is the nature of family structure. Losing one person in a group of two destroys the relationship. Structure, therefore, creates a greater need for maintenance of the relationship through the expression of affection. The denial of negative feelings may restrict problem solving efforts (Phelan, 1979) . According to The Family Pediatrics Report (2003), the risks for emotional, behavioral, and educational problems are lower among children in 2-parent households on average. The apparent advantage of the 2-parent household structure is that it facilitates effective parenting behaviors, but it does not guarantee success. A stable, well-functioning family is potentially the most secure, supportive, and nurturing environment in which children may be raised (family structure section, para.1).
The Function of the Family
The organization of the family has direct effect on the children. The first social relationship of children is familial, where children acquire their first experiences of being treated as persons in their own right. Children receive care for their dependency and attention for their sociability. The kind of care and attention children receive during their early years of life affect their handling of important issues, such as trust vs.distrust and