Running head: FAMILY SCE NARIOS FINAL

Family Scenarios

Over the course of the last seven weeks I have been interviewing the Williams family whom I have known for about two years. I babysit for their daughters, Norah, who is eight, and Lilly, who is five. Having known this family for a good amount of time I thought that I knew a lot about them. However, when asking questions concerning things that we do not usually discuss, I got a more detailed insight on the way the family functioned. They are very friendly and live in my parents neighborhood. I met them by seeing them out when I was in high school and while working at the YMCA. I have always enjoyed Norah and Lilly because they are so smart and well behaved and I have always loved interacting with Josh and Sherry (the parents) because they are funny, down to earth people. The children go to Westview Elementary School and really enjoy school and socializing. The children are active in after school programs as well. My study of this family has proven to me what a well-functioning family they are. The Microsystem is the most basic structure of the systems. This system is the one that most directly affects the children. This contains family, school, peer group, community and media. This is definitely the most influential part of Norah and Lillys life. Every week, the girls go to their grandparents twice. They are able to enjoy time with their grandparents while Josh and Sherry have time for themselves. This builds strong relationships for the children and the family and ensures that their parents relieve stress.

FAMILY SCENARIOS FINAL The Mesosystem is the way that the parts of the microsystem interact. This can be but is

not limited to: how parents and schools mix, how childrens peer group mix with their parents or how media affects the community. I think that the most significant part of Norah and Lillys mesosystem is their mothers involvement with the girl scout group. She is the leader, so she knows all of the other girls in the group as well as the parents. This makes the girls proud and more eager to accomplish their goals in this area. The Exosystem refers to things that children are not directly active in, but through affiliation, their microsystem is affected. For example; parents income, parenting style because of employment, etc. Some of the parts in this system are social services, parents work, school board, community boards, federal/state commissions. One part of this that is a relatively new development for the family is that this year Sherry is working in Indianapolis. The children say that they do not mind it but it does take away from some of their time with her. She has to leave earlier in the morning than usual. However, she is usually home before the children arrive back from school. The macrosystem refers to the society that the children live in. This system focuses greatly on the beliefs and ideals of the family. These can include religion, politics, culture, economics, etc. As far as religion goes, the family describes themselves as basic Christian although they do not regularly attend church simply due to lack of time, they still maintain their beliefs. The family is greatly affected however, by politics. Josh, the father, works for the city of Muncie. Since he does work for the city of Muncie, they are affected greatly by things like state laws, regulations, judges, and wage changes. During election time they usually have signs in the yard (which I know from personal experience, can affect a childs social life, especially at an

FAMILY SCENARIOS FINAL older age). Since the majority of the families income depends greatly on city politics, Josh is active in many groups that have to do with the city and political turmoil. The Chronosystem refers to the changes that occur with a family over time. When it comes to changes and this family, one situation sticks out in my mind. About a year and a half ago, Josh was trying to find a job in Muncie. They already lived here and the children were pretty well established so they did not want to move away. Unfortunately, faced with the challenge of finding a job, they were all packed up and ready to move. At the last minute Josh received news that he had gotten the job that he applied for to work for the Muncie Health Department. The family was very excited to be able to stay in Muncie, to avoid a move and stay close to family. They dealt with the change very well and had Josh not received the job, I think they would have dealt equally well with moving. The families ability to adapt makes them a stronger family in my eyes.

Scenario 1: Family Composition - Recognition and respect for all family compositions, including first names, ages, levels of education, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, extended family support, jobs/careers. Considering the family composition, cite and justify three resources within the community that may be of interest to this family. The girls in this family really like to do things that are hands on and can make them learn in a fun way. One thing that I am sure they would enjoy is the Muncie Childrens Museum. With different exhibits very often, they can use this resource all the time and continue to learn and see new things. Another resource that would be useful to the family is Minnetrista, which focuses largely on Nature. This family enjoys being outside together and this area is a wonderful place for them to go together. Minnetrista also has exhibits that change often. The Muncie Greenway is a city maintained, nature enriched trail where the children could ride their bikes, roller blade, and observe wild life. Muncie runs low on outdoor areas safe for children to play,

FAMILY SCENARIOS FINAL with no sidewalks it can be hard to find a place to ride bikes. The Muncie Greenway also gives the parents an opportunity to get some exercise and relieve stress. Although it is less inviting in the winter months, during the rest of the year this is a great resource that we are lucky to have. All of these things are fantastic activities that any of the family can participate in to keep their relationship strong.

Scenario 2: Child Care and Education If this family had day care needs for young children, the considerations might include quality, cost, availability, and location. According to considerations, provide this family with two choices within the community. Additionally, with the numbers rising in children with disabilities (including Autism and ADHD), provide 2 specific examples of how this family could advocate for the childs rights within the school. Cite and describe two resources within the community that would be beneficial to the child with disabilities and/or the family. If this family were looking for a child care facility, the main aspects to them would be proximity and quality. Apple Tree Child Care is a well-known and well established quality Child care facility. They are up to date with technology, and provide well qualified teachers and staff. Another possibility is the Huffer Memorial Childrens Center. This is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to making the community better through providing child care and Educare. Funded by United Way, this organization focuses on the needs of the community. Both of these care facilities are in close proximity to the family and have good reputations. If one of the children had a disability that needed to be addressed, the parent could set up a conference with the teachers. During this conference they could come up with an IEP that the teachers would have to adhere to. Resources in the community that would benefit any child with special needs include many. One is the Muncie Public Library which is free for anyone to use. The library offer reading programs and socialization opportunities for all children that can be very fun and beneficial. Another resource that would be helpful is Camp Isanogel. This camp focuses more on adults with special needs but they put on a weeklong camp for children to attend. The children have an opportunity to socialize, develop new skills, meditate or just enjoy their time in nature.

FAMILY SCENARIOS FINAL All of these resources could help aid in the struggles that the parents and children with special needs could face. Scenario 3: Family Values/Beliefs - Spiritual, economic, political, technological, parenting and other values and beliefs will be addressed. Resources within the community that may be of interest or assistance to this family are located. The ideas of this family are important to them, as they are most families. Some community resources that would be useful to this family would include the YMCA of Muncie and Theravive. The YMCA offers many opportunities for children. As an employee of the child

watch I work in three of the programs. There are programs that range from exercise, team sports, arts and crafts, holiday celebrations, birthday celebrations, bible study, and child care is offered for the parents while they are exercising. This can be a great community resource to use because it allows the children not only to become active at an early age but also meet other children and parents from the community. The YMCA also offers lower membership fees to those who qualify due to financial strife. An online resource that can connect you with therapists and counselors in the community is Theravive. With this resource, parents can find therapists or psychologists near them to help support mental health. This can be beneficial to parents and children who just may need some support. Using these resources can enhance a families physical, mental and spiritual health while connecting them with their community.

Scenario 4: Family Transitions - How does your family deal with life changes? Based upon your interviews, observations, notes, etc, how would your family handle one of the following situations: 1. a fire that destroys the house and all belongings 2. sudden unemployment of both parents 3. death of a family member or close friend 4. Share in your scenario how your family might respond to the situation, and provide justification. Also, provide 3 community resources that would be of assistance to the family during this time of crisis.

FAMILY SCENARIOS FINAL If this Family were to go through a traumatic experience like losing a family member or close friend, they would obviously be very distraught. If they lost their grandmother the family

might have to rearrange the weekly schedule as well as deal with a great deal of emotional upset. They are a unified family that communicates well and can overcome obstacles, so they would remain sufficient and stable for the children. One resource that would assist the family in hardship might be a church. Muncie has a variety of churchs to choose from and even if someone does not need religious guidance, they can be a good place to find emotional support. Another resource is the Center for Psychological Development in Muncie. This practice offers treatment and therapy for people that need support. Both of these could benefit the family if they lost a member because of death.

Scenario 5: Celebration - Develop a celebration specific to your family that will fit all of the previously developed characteristics and choices. This celebration should be especially designed to fit your familys situation and needs. Cite and describe 2 resources within the community that may be of interest or assistance to family as they plan and/or implement their celebration. (answer accordingly) If this family were planning a birthday party for Norah they could have it at the YMCA of Muncie. Norah could choose a theme which would probably be something animal related and the family would bring in decorations. The YMCA birthday staff would decorate and plan the activities which Norah would choose. There could be games in the gym, rock wall, crafts, face painting, movies etc. The family would be able to structure the celebration in whatever way they choose and invite whomever they want. The family could get supplies from H&D SupeRent and Special Occasions. The family would reserve the birthday party room for any available date. Norah and Lilly would love the party and so would all of their friends.

FAMILY SCENARIOS FINAL Throughout this experience I have learned that a great deal of things affect the way a child is raised. The basics are much more involved and complicated than they seem and in fact are not so basic. I did not realize how much outside influences affected and/or challenged the

way a child is reared. Parenting is no easy job but with community resources and family it can be done very successfully. This family will always remain near and dear to me and as I continue to babysit for them I will remember all of the complex things that I learned from interviewing them.

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Works Cited Josh Williams. Sherry Williams. Personal interview. October, 2012. Roberta M. Berns. Child, Family, School, Community.

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