FW, Family

Families are awesome. I'm starting to debate whether to do a my next paper on the consequences of family influence on a child's growth and development spiritually, mentally, physically, socially, and all other aspects.

The family is really a catch all organization. A family team has the ability to prepare each son or daughter for all of the different roles they will have in life. For example, family has prepared me for marriage. When I got home from a mission to Canada a year and a half ago, I was not anywhere near ready for marriage. Most people think that coming off a mission, a kid would be at his/her spiritual peak, but not in my case. When I came off my mission I was emotionally sapped. I was a wreck. It took several months of counseling with my mother and father to get me back two emotional health. I consider that counseling one of the leading factors in preparing me for marriage. I was able to learn how to communicate feelings that are difficult to put into words. I was able to talk about my deepest rooted feelings and thoughts and work through them with those I love most.

Development is made possible within the bonds of a loving family through trust. I trust my mom and dad implicitly. I beleive that they want only the best for me, their son, and that they have my best interest in mind when they give counsel. I don't find that same trust hardly anywhere else, except with my wife, who is also a member of my family.

My family has helped me develop socially. It was a great thing for me to be able to bring dates over to my mom's house to have them meet my parents and borther's and sisters. It's been a positive experience every time one of my brothers have brought a date to my mom's house where we get to meet her and ask her questions in a safe environment. Mom's house is also where all of our family gatherings happen. Big Sunday dinners allow all of the siblings to congregate and socialize together. There we talk about our relationships, our educational pursuits, our jobs or careers. We debate political views and theological views and views on social matters. We discuss sports, reminice about memories, swap mission stories, and play games. All of these wholesome activities lend themselves to the development of each individual in every aspect of life.