Close

As this semester comes to a close I find that I have learned so much and am grateful for my new view of the family. I have been able to strengthen relationships and learn so much about family systems. I hope to always remember that systems are important, look at a system-not just an individual. I like this view over that of psychology's, which focuses on the individual.

Thoughts

As I was contemplating the family this week, I was contemplating family size. Larger families are very prevalent in mormon populated areas. Why is it that this happens? Then, it hit me. Due to the fact that on average mormon families marry younger the women have more childbearing years. This allows the women to bare more children. This is a random thought that really struck me. As a mormon culture we allow ourselves to have the possibility of having more children.

I find this thought comforting. Our gospel is centered around the family. Interesting that this would be in a part of our culture without us even being aware.

Fatherhood

This week I reflected a lot on fatherhood. My father is extremely involved in my life. He took my on outings with just him and I. He also helped me learn to read, practiced sports with me, and taught me how to budget money. To this day I call him for advice and support, or just to talk. I hope I can be a parent like he was. I think that if I am interested in my children's talents like he was I'll have a good place to start.

Communication

We often hear that the heart of every relationship problem is found within communication. One of the best ways to seek to have good communication is to be a listener, not a talker, at the first. We must all seek to understand before we are understood. This will lead to less problems within any relationship. If everyone is on the same page, then real conversations to fix what is happening can take place. The key is communication.

The Wedding

This weekend I went to a wedding. This was a wedding in which many parts of the family were involved. Watching everyone work together to bring about the beginning of a new couple really motivated me to be active in the lives of all my siblings and my parents. A wedding represents everyone coming together to help form a new family. It was a wonderful weekend full of joy, and hope for the future.

I hope that when my family comes together that we may able to have low contention, and issues the day of. This way we can focus on the sealing.  

Marriage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ1yLFIEVNo

This video talks of Marriage and Divorce. It speaks of how it is important to respect and work at your marriage and to be kind to your spouse. Marriage is the greatest form of intimacy that two people can have. It is important that we are sweet to those we are married too. I think that beside the Lord your spouse is the person that you are required to be most mindful of.

My parents have always respected each other, and it leaves me wanting the same thing in my future marriage. I hope that I can someday be able to give in my relationship, and respect the covenant that I will make.

Parenting?

This week in class it was brought to my attention that I have not considered what type of parent I will be. It is essential that I start thinking about parenting and dating people that would be good parents. I'm not sure how I can decide how someone is going to be with children, but I think it helps to be aware of it. Food for thought.