Family systems

 There are many types of families. 

Nuclear families: This is the traditional structure. There are two parents and children. Studies made by society have shown that this family structure is the best for raising a family. However, this does not mean there are not flaws in this dynamic. There are always exceptions when it comes to families. Families are varied in more ways than the types. I personally have a very happy and stable family life. I love my parents with every inch of my being and will continue to do so for many years. My parents have raised my siblings and I to be the best people we could be.

Single Parent families: This structure is exactly as it sounds. One parent raising one or more children all on their own (with help from friends and family on occasion). This could consist of a single mother or a single father. I have so much respect for these types of families. Raising kids is not an easy task. I find these mothers and fathers so strong. Especially those who are raising young kids. Each and every one of them have their own stories to tell and have pushed through so much pain in their lives. They are absolutely incredible!

Extended families: This family type consists of two or more adults, who are related, living in the same home. This can either be by blood or marriage (sons in law or daughters in law). Those living in this house all have the common goal to help raise kids and keep up with the household chores. I have a personal experience with this in my family. My uncle has lived with his parents as he raised his kids. They have since moved out, but it wasn't for a few years. 

Childless families: This family is the smallest it can get! This consists of a couple and that is it. They either choose not to have kids or they physically cannot have kids. A childless family is often forgotten as a family as most people assume a family to have at least one child. I have met people like this. My best friend (though not being married yet) has told me multiple times that she does not wish to have kids when the time comes. She fears that she would not be a good parent. She has not been raised in a very stable family, so I understand her fear completely. I stand by her decision as that is her choice to make and not something for me to meddle with. 

Step families: The final family type is the step families. These are the families that consist of individuals who have gotten remarried. They could have lost their spouses through either death or divorce. This remarriage then blends two existing families together, creating a new family unit. Another one of my uncle's has a step family. He had divorced his first wife and is happily married to his new wife. They have two adorable kids, and they couldn't be happier. 

Along with the family dynamics, there are boundaries set in each family.

Rigid: This form of boundaries is a very closed type of boundary. Those with this type often keep to themselves and keep secrets. They are not open to those around them and don't allow people to reach out to them. This is quite unhealthy as sharing your feelings (as cheesy as it sounds) is a good way to strengthen the familiar bond.

Open: This form is just as unhealthy as rigid boundaries. Those with this type are a little too comfortable with sharing information. They spew out secrets and are too open about their feelings. This can often ruin trust within friend groups and families.

Flexible: This boundary is the healthiest. There is a limit to how much these people share and how much they trust others. They only allow those who they are comfortable with to enter this boundary but there are still limitations.