Wonder

Research Outline

Prepared for Denise | Delivered June 24, 2020

Family Dynamics

Goals

To determine background research on the topic Family Dynamics to build a webinar with supporting evidence that includes articles, case studies, and possible exercises related to the concept. 

Early Findings

 Family dynamics  exhibit patterns of relationship building, or interactions between family members with each family
 system and its dynamics unique.
Traditional individual therapy focuses on problems
 in a linear manner (event A caused problem B). Family systems theory, in comparison, views problems
 in a circular manner, or a systemic
 approach (both A and B are seen to exist in the context
 of the relationship by influencing the other).  
People who have close familial relationships have a higher well-being and lower rates of depression and disease throughout their lifetime. 
In a functional family, parents strive to create an environment in which everyone feels safe, heard, loved, and respected. 
 Functional families provide a resilient foundation, privacy, accountability, an apology when needed, allow reasonable expression of emotions, gentle teasing and sarcasm, allow for growth and change, embody co-parenting skills, working relationships, provide clear boundaries, eat meals together, and follow the golden rule. 
 Parents must take time to reflect on their own stress levels because children often observe and react to their parent’s emotions.
Strong cultural traditions have
 to a certain extent protected families from conflicts.
 Family dynamics have a strong influence on the way young people see themselves, others and the world, and influence their relationships, behaviors and their well being.
Case Studies
Parents ignore the pesky behavior and instead put their focus and energy on the positive attributes their kids exhibit to build stronger  family relationships. 
 Resilient children have what it takes to get up and try again. They are more flexible than many of their peers who are easily overwhelmed.
 Parents dole out punishment together and never go behind one another’s back nor withhold anything from each other concerning their children.
 Social policy and popular culture promote a two-parent nuclear family as an ideal structure for raising successful, healthy children, but the reality of family life in America looks very different. 
Worksheets
The Healthy Boundaries Tips worksheet presents standard advice for creating healthy boundaries with topics that include values, assertiveness, and setting limits.
 Small Talk Discussion Cards are a fun therapeutic activity for kids that asks a simple question about one of three topics, along with a more challenging 'Digging Deeper' question or activity.
The Setting Boundaries worksheet teaches clients to set healthy boundaries by covering language for speaking assertively, boundary-setting tips, examples, and practice exercises.
 Family Questions is a fun activity that is great for breaking the ice in family therapy. Each family member answers a question about themselves, and then guesses how other family members will answer.