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We Are Family: Family Dynamics 2.0

Kim Anthony • March 15, 2022

Different Family Types Have Unique Dynamics

The time wherein nuclear families (mom, dad, and one or more children) were seen as normal in the United States has long gone. Different family types are now much more acceptable than they were in the past, in addition to being more common. Being raised by a single mother or belonging to a mixed household is not as unusual now as it was before. The family dynamic has changed, and in this article, we’re going to talk about it. 

What’s even more fascinating is that each type of family—there are six main ones on which everyone can agree—has a different family dynamic. If you’re currently experiencing family issues or are going through a significant change in your family structure, learning about your family type and considering how it influences your family dynamic might help you make sense of the situation. You can gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses that your family is likely dealing with by taking a look at the type and dynamics of your family. To better understand family dynamics, some people may decide to start taking parenting courses or using online therapy.


Let’s Look at the Six Different Family Types

1. Nuclear Family 

Two parents (often married or in a legal relationship) and their children form nuclear families, also referred to as primary or traditional families. Nuclear families may have one or more biological or adopted children, but the main focus is on the parents raising their children together in the same home.

Although it appears that nuclear families are decreasing, the 2016 U.S. Census data reveals that 69% of kids are still raised in atomic homes. Even if it doesn’t often happen that way, most people consider this the ideal family setting for raising kids.

Strengths of the nuclear family

  • Now that the economy is stable, both parents generally work.
  • Children brought up in a safe family environment
  • Consistency 
  • Put communication first

Weaknesses of nuclear families

  • Exclusion from the extended family can cause loneliness and stress and make it more difficult to resolve conflicts.
  • Nuclear families may become overly concerned with their children and overlook other important matters as a result.

Strong and successful nuclear families can exist when both parents set excellent examples for their children. These kids frequently have a lot of advantages over children from less privileged families, which can help them succeed in life. However, like any family, nuclear families have their own problems to face. For instance, if parents exclude grandparents and other extended family members, their support system won’t be strong, making it difficult to go through difficult times.

2. Single Parent

Single parents and one or more children make up single-parent homes. In these situations, the parent is either divorced, widowed, or has never been married. In a paper published in 2004, Ellwood, D.T., and Jencks, C. discuss the rise of single-parent families since the 1960s, when divorce rates began to rise (and so did births happening out of wedlock). They propose that several factors include letting go of traditional gender norms, being comfortable with independence, and achieving the goal of parenting a child whether or not a partner is there.

Nowadays, it’s not unusual for a mother, father, or parent to raise a child alone, and single-parent households have their advantages as well as disadvantages.

Strengths of the single-parent family: 

  • Family members can grow super close.
  • Learn to split home tasks.
  • Both kids and parents can develop great resilience.

Weaknesses of single-parent families

  • Families find it difficult to survive on one income, and some are dependent on social assistance.
  • For parents who need to work full-time, finding affordable, high-quality childcare can be challenging.

Raising children alone can be challenging. Being a child can also be challenging if your parents are divorced or if you only knew one parent growing up. Families in this situation must make the most of their means and depend on one another for love and support.

3. Extended Family 

Although most Americans would consider nuclear families to be the “traditional” family, extended families are significantly more prevalent and have been present for a long time in other cultures. Extended families are those that typically include children as well as two or more adults who are connected by blood or marriage. This frequently involves cousins, aunts, uncles, or other family members residing under the same roof.

Typically, extended families share a home to encourage social stability and advance common goals. Parents might, for instance, reside with their kids and their grandparents. As a result, the grandparents may be able to help with child care while the parents are at work. This enables the family to care for their parents in old age.

Strengths of the extended family: 

  • It’s essential to show the elderly respect and attention.
  • More family members are close to helping with housework, caring for children, emergencies, etc.
  • Social assistance

Weaknesses of extended families

  • If parents are paying for multiple other people and children without receiving any more money, financial problems may arise.
  • Depending on the setting, a lack of privacy

4. Childless Family 

Families without children are those when both couples are unable to have children or do not want to. These families are usually ignored or excluded in the area of family types and dynamics (even though you can still have a family without children). Growing up, getting married, and having kids used to be the norm, but in the modern world, more people are delaying or giving up having kids altogether.

These unique families include working couples who like to sometimes care for other people’s children (such as nieces and nephews) rather than have their own children. They might also be adventurous couples who don’t think having children will fit well with their way of life. These relationships can exist between a husband and wife, a husband and wife, a wife and a wife, or a partner and partner.

Strengths of the childless family: 

  • Typically, they have more money available.
  • There are no children to support.
  • You get greater freedom to travel, go on adventures, and seek careers or education of your choosing.
  • More time is spent together as a couple.

Weaknesses of childless families

  • When all of their friends and family start having children, couples may feel alone or excluded.
  • If you enjoy children, you could feel as though something is missing.
  • Being childless due to infertility can be difficult for couples.

5. StepFamily 

A stepfamily is made up of two different families that unite to become one. One divorced parent with children may marry a person who has never been married and has never had children, or two divorced parents with one or more children may combine their households.

Step-families have increased in popularity over time, much like single-parent households. Stepfamilies, like all of these different kinds of families, have their own set of strengths and problems that they must work through.

Strengths of the step families: 

  • The advantages of having two parents closely benefit children.
  • Strong relationships can develop between kids and their new siblings or stepparents.
  • Advantages of two incomes over single-parent households

Weaknesses of step families

  • Adjustment can be challenging for both parents and children.
  • Problems might arise when parents try to discipline each other’s children.
  • Possibly chaotic or inconsistent.

It can be challenging to move from a nuclear or single-parent family to a stepfamily. It might be difficult to adjust to new members of your family, especially if they are part of another family. However, some children will eventually grow to accept their stepparents and step-siblings as members of the family and develop close relationships with them. 

6. Grandparent Family 

The grandparent family is the last category of family. When one or more grandparents are raising their grandkids, that situation is referred to as a grandparent family. Despite their uniqueness, grandmother-headed families are becoming more widespread. They said that in the United States, almost 2.4 million grandparents are raising 4.5 million children, according to census data.

This situation arises when parents are either unable or unwilling to properly care for their children. For instance, the parents may be ill, too young to care for the child, struggling with a substance use disorder, or even dead. Thankfully, grandparents step in and take on the role of parents for their grandkids in these situations.

Strengths of the grandparent family: 

  • There is a strong bond between grandparents and grandkids.
  • Avoids putting children in foster care or other settings.

Weaknesses of grandparent families

  • Grandparents may struggle to make ends meet if they work part-time or not at all.
  • It may be challenging for them to keep up with young children or discipline them as they get older.

The upbringing of grandchildren by grandparents can be challenging. But it can be beneficial to both children and grandparents to have support.

Conclusion

Whatever family type you identify with, each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This is usually most obvious to persons who have gone through one or more changes in family type during their lives and can relate to how unique each family dynamic can be. Whether you are part of a same-sex family, an interracial family, a binuclear family, a multigenerational family unit, or have polyamorous parents, each family is unique in its own way.

Individual or family therapy can help persons dealing with changes in family type/dynamics. BetterLYF, an online counselling service, can provide an outlet for people who are having difficulties with their relationships.

Seeking help is a sign of courage. Don't let self-limiting beliefs hold you back from a life you deserve. Avail online therapy to become happier and better. Learn how


This article originally appeard in BetterLyfe.

8 Things to Consider if You're Thinking About Running for Office

By Kim Anthony • September 4, 2023
The prospect of running for public office is both exciting and daunting. It offers an opportunity to make impactful changes, but it also exposes you to scrutiny and requires tremendous commitment. If you're contemplating throwing your hat into the political ring, it's essential to think through multiple factors before making your decision. Here are eight critical considerations to mull over: 1. Personal Readiness Entering politics is a life-altering choice, not just for you but also for your family and close ones. The demands on your time, privacy, and emotional well-being can be overwhelming. Questions to Ask : Are you emotionally, mentally, and physically prepared for the challenges? Have you discussed this with your family, and are they supportive? 2. Core Beliefs and Values Politics is an arena of competing interests and ideologies. Having a clear understanding of your core beliefs and values will guide your political journey. Questions to Ask : What causes or issues are most important to you? Are your views aligned with the electorate you wish to serve? 3. Skill Set and Qualifications Being in public office requires a diverse skill set, including but not limited to leadership, public speaking, and policy analysis. Questions to Ask : Do you possess the skills needed to succeed in office? If not, are you willing to learn or surround yourself with experts who do? 4. Financial Considerations Campaigning can be expensive, and public office may not offer the financial rewards that other careers do. Questions to Ask : Do you have the financial resources to run a campaign and sustain yourself in office? Are you ready to disclose your financial status, as is often required? 5. Electability and Public Perception Popularity and public perception play a crucial role in politics. Your history, conduct, and even appearance are often subject to public scrutiny. Questions to Ask : How are you perceived by the community? Do you have any skeletons in the closet that could become public and harm your candidacy? 6. Team and Support System A successful campaign requires a dedicated team for various functions: strategizing, fundraising, public relations, and more. Questions to Ask : Do you have a trustworthy team or know how to assemble one? Do you have mentors or advisors in the political arena? 7. Regulatory and Legal Requirements Different positions have different eligibility criteria, filing requirements, and regulations. Questions to Ask : Are you familiar with the legal requirements for the position you are considering? Do you meet the eligibility criteria? 8. Long-Term Goals and Exit Strategy Public office is often not a lifetime appointment. Whether you serve one term or multiple, you will eventually move on. Questions to Ask : What are your long-term goals? Do you see politics as a career or a stepping stone to other endeavors? What's your exit strategy? The Starting Point, Not the Destination Contemplating these eight points is just the starting point; running for public office is a long, complicated journey that will demand constant adjustment and reevaluation. However, these considerations can give you a solid foundation for making an informed decision. Running for public office is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. If you are considering this path, taking the time to reflect on these eight considerations will provide valuable insights and prepare you for the challenges and rewards that lie ahead.

What Chris Smalls, President of Amazon Labor Union, Has Taught Us About Leadership

By Kim Anthony • September 4, 2023
Chris Smalls has emerged as an unlikely hero, not just for the workers of Amazon but for the labor movement across America and beyond. He has become the President of the Amazon Labor Union, catalyzing significant shifts in a company known for its tough anti-union stance. His rise from a rank-and-file worker to a labor organizer has lessons in leadership that transcend industrial contexts and have universal applicability. 1. Embrace the Unexpected Chris’s journey began when he unexpectedly walked out of Amazon three years ago. His decision, driven by a deep-rooted sense of justice, has today turned him into a symbol of hope for many. Leaders often need to embrace the unexpected and leverage it for positive change. 2. Prioritize the Immediate Task Despite the allure of media attention and numerous emails, Chris has remained focused on getting a contract for JFK workers. Leaders should always keep their eyes on the immediate goal, ensuring it aligns with the broader mission. 3. Share the Reality Chris paints a vivid picture of the demanding work environment at Amazon. By sharing his personal experience, he humanizes the struggle and educates the masses on the realities many face. Great leaders tell stories that connect and mobilize. 4. Find Inspiration from Setbacks The failed unionization attempt in Bessemer, Alabama, became a source of inspiration for Chris. Leaders often encounter setbacks; the key is to learn from them and use them as fuel to keep going. 5. Build Solidarity Beyond Borders Chris's commitment isn't limited to America. He has connected with workers from London to Cuba, demonstrating the universality of the labor struggle. Leaders must think globally, fostering international collaborations and solidarity. 6. Stay Motivated While challenges abound, Chris is driven by the possibility of causing billionaires to rethink their decisions. He's inspired by stories of grassroots movements and international solidarity. Leaders must find their unique source of motivation to persist. 7. Learn Continuously From understanding the deep divides in organizational alignments to the intricacies of American labor politics, Chris's journey is one of continuous learning. Effective leaders are always students, open to gaining new insights and understanding. 8. Foster International Solidarity Chris's efforts have sparked interest from other organizations and countries. By fostering international collaboration, leaders can amplify their cause and create a more substantial impact. 9. Celebrate Victories but Look Ahead The Amazon Labor Union's election win was monumental, but Chris understands that it's the beginning. Leaders should celebrate victories but must always focus on the next milestone. 10. Hold Entities Accountable Whether it's Amazon or established unions, Chris stresses the importance of accountability. Leaders must consistently challenge existing systems, pushing them towards greater fairness and justice. In conclusion, Chris Smalls's leadership journey is an inspiration to many. His commitment, resilience, and vision offer lessons not just for labor organizers but for leaders across sectors. As the labor landscape continues to evolve, it's voices like Chris's that will guide the way, urging us all to build a more equitable and just world.

7 Lessons We Learned from Daymond John About Entrepreneurship

By Kim Anthony • September 3, 2023
Entrepreneurship is a journey paved with challenges, risks, and opportunities. In the world of business, there are few voices as authoritative and inspiring as Daymond John's. As a successful entrepreneur, investor, and star of the hit TV show "Shark Tank," Daymond John has shared his wisdom and insights that have become valuable lessons for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Here are eight lessons we've learned from Daymond John about entrepreneurship: 1. Start Small, Think Big Daymond's journey began with a modest investment of $40, sewing homemade hats in his mother's living room. This humble start taught him the importance of taking the first step, even when resources are limited. He emphasizes the need to think big but start small, leveraging what you have to make gradual progress toward your goals. 2. Solve Real Problems One of Daymond's key principles is to identify problems that need solving. Successful businesses often emerge from addressing genuine pain points faced by consumers. By focusing on solutions that add value to people's lives, entrepreneurs can tap into sustainable demand and build a loyal customer base. 3. The Power of Branding Daymond is a firm believer in the power of branding. He turned FUBU (For Us, By Us) into a global fashion brand by connecting with the hip-hop community and championing inclusivity. His lesson? Build a brand that tells a story and resonates with your target audience. A strong brand creates emotional connections and sets you apart in a competitive market. 4. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity Failure is often seen as a setback, but Daymond sees it as a stepping stone to success. He acknowledges his past failures and emphasizes that learning from mistakes is crucial for growth. Every failure provides valuable lessons that can guide future decisions and strategies. 5. Stay Hungry and Persistent Daymond's journey to success was far from smooth, marked by rejections and obstacles. His story teaches us the importance of perseverance and hunger. Entrepreneurship requires a relentless drive to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem stacked against you. 6. Know Your Numbers Inside and Out Numbers are the language of business, and Daymond stresses the significance of understanding your financials. Whether it's profit margins, costs, or revenue projections, a deep understanding of your financial metrics empowers you to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively. 7. Build Relationships and Networks In the business world, relationships matter. Daymond's success was shaped by his ability to build strong connections with mentors, partners, and customers. He advises entrepreneurs to network, seek mentorship, and nurture relationships as they can provide valuable guidance, opportunities, and support. Daymond John's journey from a small start to a globally recognized entrepreneur is a testament to his expertise and insights into the world of business. These eight lessons serve as a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs, guiding them through the challenges and triumphs of building and growing a successful enterprise. By embracing these principles, entrepreneurs can navigate their own paths to success with confidence and determination.
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