Understanding Families

Understanding Families

Introduction

Today, dealing with family relationships can be a challenging factor; as a result, most people do not seem to have the strategies that promote efficient family interactions. However, various techniques are appropriate to build on family relations. One simplified approach is Dr. Ronald W. Richardson’s ‘family of origin therapy technique’ that focuses on boosting individual self-esteem and capabilities, then employing a counselor or family therapist to resolve potential disputes. Another common strategy that many people assume is communication. In that, adequate communication amongst family members ensures understanding when there is any form of conflict or disagreement. Consequently, it limits gossip and malice by clearing up misinterpretations or misunderstanding that could break family ties. Also, communication promotes mutual support and provides a comprehensive perspective on challenging situations and insights. In the long run, family bonds become stronger. In a bid to provide a richer understanding, this paper answers various questions by describing my personal family experiences while applying what I have learned from Dr. Ronald W. Richardson’s book ‘Family Ties That Bind.’

When I stopped my regular habit of staying up late, I received some surprising reactions from my family members. More specifically, due to my recent promotion, I used to work a lot; as a result, I had to carry some extra office work and bring them back home to finish up after supper. After a while, this habit became a norm, and I could not sleep until I had finished and prepared my reports for the next day.

However, my family members, that is, my sister, my younger brother, my husband, and three sons, were becoming more concerned. One day, I came back home, joined my family for supper, and I went to bed early that usual because my sister had talked to me regarding my poor sleeping habits. Anyway, all the other my members’ reactions were astonishing when they saw going to bed early. In other words, I witnessed the ‘love me at costs’ attitude (Persecutors). Usually, the persecutors (my sister) love to control others; in that, they consider every situation as a win or loss condition (Zellweger, Chrisman, Chua and Steier, 2019, p.212). Due to my sister’s manipulative nature and self-interest, she never bothered to ask for explanations regarding my late night work. Still, she believed I was supposed to sleep for longer hours as everyone did.

2.

There were times when my sixteen-year-old brother seemed moody, sad, and quite antisocial. Of course, there was something wrong regarding his behavior. Judging by my assumptions, I decided to raise the issue. Surprisingly, he was very defensive; what is more, other family members supported him, with the claim that I was invading into my little brother’s private life, so I stopped. Two months later, when I was not at home, I received a call from my mother, and she was saying that my brother was at the police station because he was driving recklessly on the highway. It was clear that there was a problem because my brother is the most careful driver in the family. Anyway, we bailed him out, and he talked to a therapist, and he is fine now. However, my previous observations were right, and if the family believed me, maybe we could have prevented the arrest. Similar to my family members, most people like to appear blameless and point fingers on their counterparts. Therefore, it is advisable to accept the occurrence of a problem and then find the courage to look at individual contributions to the resultant problem and then take necessary actions towards the solution. Also, it is essential to choose an efficient family environment (Richardson, 2012, p.2). In other words, to ensure children grow up to become good people, they must be associated with good people and ethical behavior at an early stage of their growth and development.

3.

In my family setup, I am the funniest member. I love making jokes out of every situation to increase positivity and joy within the family. Even when I don’t particularly appreciate showing it, I will make a lot of jokes to make everyone happy and overshadow a sad situation. On the other hand, my sixteen-year-old brother is the most antisocial fellow in the family. He rarely laughs at my jokes or anyone else’s jokes. What is more, he is very aggressive and defensive and always ready to fight in any case anybody makes fun of him. Anytime I am around him, I try to be myself; however, I have to observe specific limits. In that, I can make jokes that are general but not personal. To ensure our interaction lasts for a good while, I usually shift my persona to match his, because he is not fond of jokes. Honestly, I am not happy with my brother’s persona; therefore, I seek out various strategies to change his attitude.  According to Dr. Ronald W. Richardson’s work, a critical approach to improving an unwanted practice is through a family of origin work (Richardson, 2012, p.3). It involves employing a counselor or family therapist to effect change. First, the process consists of understanding the family functions and dynamics, and expectations, then applying preferable solutions that foster family unity.

4.

A relationship triangle is the interactive nature of two or more parties. The triangle outlines the specific roles of every participant, and then their parts interlock to provide a particular outcome. Therefore for productive interactions, relationship triangles must demonstrate honesty, logical agreements, and respect (Richardson, 2012, p.4. A relationship triangle consists of three primary participants: the victim, who is the most critical in the triangle. Secondly, the persecutor: the one who blames other people; lastly, the rescuer, the individual who tries to help the victim. Currently, I am in a relationship triangle with my husband, and we have three sons together. Marriage is one of the best experiences since I have a partner with whom I can share mutually beneficial interactions. Secondly, I have somebody to talk to if I have any emotional challenges. Similarly, my partner is usually free to speak to me, and I am always ready to offer the best solution at my capacity. Concerning our relationship triangle, my husband is typically the rescuer cause he is still prepared to help any member of the family. The victim in this family changes consistently, depending on who needs help. Lastly, in most cases, our sons are the persecutors since they never take the blame for various mistakes they commit. My family is the most critical thing in my life, and I cannot abolish the relationship triangle. What is more, we share the love and care for one another; therefore, it is only right to keep the family firm.

Conclusion

Through practical family understanding, relationships become robust, positive, and productive. Different cultures have varying ways of boosting family relationships. One of the most popular means of fostering ties is through Richardson’s strategy origin of work, which involves employing a counselor or family therapist to help resolve disputes. Mutual relationships include close family members, friends, and extended family members who share factors like conversations and basic needs as one whole group. When there is a consistent implementation of origin of work, disputes come to an end, and healthy interactions become prevalent; as a result, it leads to unity and love. That aside, the interactive nature of two or more parties is known as the relationship triangle. The triangle outlines the specific roles of every participant, and then their roles interlock to provide a particular outcome. As a result, relationship triangles deserve a combination of honesty, logical agreements, and respect (self and for others). By providing a richer understanding, I can successfully answer questions that describe my personal family experience while applying what I have learned from research and Dr. Ronald W. Richardson’s book ‘Family Ties That Bind.

 

 

 

References

Richardson, R. W. (2012). Family ties that bind: A self-help guide to change through the family of origin therapy. Self-Counsel Press.

Zellweger, T. M., Chrisman, J. J., Chua, J. H., &Steier, L. P. (2019). Social structures, social relationships, and family firms.