Week 2

This week I had the opportunity to read about Family System Theory and how it attempts to explain how we interact and get a long together. It was interesting to me because it helps to open your mind to what real effect do family dynamics have on each individual and their relationship to one another.

I also found it interesting learning about different sets of rules in different families. Overall, I believe developing a list of rules for my family is important. I think that just as God has given us commandments and rules to abide by, so should we have rules for our children. The reason is for their own safety and protection.

Learning more about the arguments around the validity of the systems theory has caused me to think about it more deeply. It may be impossible to ever empirically prove that systems theory, but it doesn't make it useless. There ought to be an established pattern in order to have a goal for a couple or family unit to move toward. There is an ideal family system the Lord has described in The Family: A Proclamation To The World. It is up to us as social scientists to find ways to help this true pattern to be understood by others and applied.

Week 1

This week we learned quite a bit about some of the current trends in marriage and family relationships. We also spent a lot of time discussing the effects these trends could have on the future of the traditional family unit.

One trend I found particularly interesting is how the number of unwed mothers continues to increase. Considering marriage in our society is 'till' death do you part' this trend may not seem that big of a deal. In my opinion, having no commitment from the father's end in taking part in raising the child can and will have a large impact on the child's upbringing.

I realize that it is possible to raise a child as a single mother, and I know many who have. The sad part is that so many in our society have settled with no commitment from their partners to be a part of taking care of the child.

I know that if more people were able to learn and embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ that many of these children would have the opportunity to be raised by both of their parents. The marriage commitment would not be just 'till' death do you part', but rather it would have the opportunity to carry on after this life. If only more people were able to learn of our divine design, and true purpose to be placed upon this Earth.

Intro Post

Hello World! My name is Mike and I'm from a small town in central Pennsylvania. My family dynamic is what many call "blended", but we love each other nonetheless. My family consists of 3 older half sisters, 1 older half brother, an older step brother, and I am in the middle of my two biological sisters. My father and mother both joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or in other words, the Mormon Church. I was blessed to be raised in that church and taught about God's plan for the family.

In general, I love meeting new people and learning about what brings them joy and happiness. I do not have a lot of consistent hobbies, but rather I like trying out new things and learning. Although, I do enjoy music and play a little acoustic guitar and piano.