Childhood

My overall perception and feelings about my childhood are that of happiness and overall thinking that I had a pretty normal, really good childhood. To me, things were simpler back then as a child and I wish I had not been in such a rush to grow up, but every kid goes through that mentality and thought process about wanting to be an adult right away. I am happy with the way my memories are from my childhood regarding school, friendships, family relationships, and extracurricular activities that I had going on. 

I feel that both my parents and all of my family members have influenced me greatly growing up, but I believe those who have influenced me the most are most definitely my mom and dad. They have both been exceptionally good influences in my life. With my mom coming to the states in her young 20s from the Philippines and only $50 and a job, no place to live yet or anything, she truly demonstrated to me and my brother the definition of hard work, determination, and perseverance. I love the strength my mom displays and appreciate her being that example for us. My dad is very caring, genuine, strong yet reserved, which may not make sense but that's how I would describe him. My dad recently retired from the navy, but he demonstrated excellent leadership and standing ground. Both my parents influenced my personality, beliefs, and behavior in a multitude of ways. 

Obviously, back then, every child disagrees with what their parents are telling/lecturing to them about; however, you realize, hopefully, that your parents were right and that it was always for the good of the children, that is always the intentions they hold. Looking back, I agree with the decisions my parents made for me when I was a child. I understand and see that everything they have done has been for my benefit or my brother's. They have always put us first and make their decisions based upon what they feel would be the best for us. I do not disagree with anything my parents have done-I wouldn't be the person today if it wasn't for all those decisions made along the way. 

I believe my childhood is a little different compared to that of other children in the US. For one, as I've mentioned before, I have been very lucky, to have grown up with both sets of my grandparents, as well as uncles, aunts, and cousins in the area. With all of these influences, I had a lot of guidance and stability present throughout my childhood even through to today. I was lucky to never have needed to be placed in a day care center or after school program and I feel that has some influence on how I came to be who I am today. I'm not saying that those programs are bad, I don't want to come across that way-I am simply stating the facts of what I think growing up with other family around has done to impact who I am. 

My childhood compared to those of other countries I think vary in countless ways. For one, us here in the US have the pleasure of being able to play outside with neighbors or other kids without really needing to worry that much. I know that in other countries being outside is a very large threat and danger, moreso than it is here, and I see that kids are not able to experience what it is like to simply play outside and enjoy time with other children. Also, I feel that the fact that we have access to education here in the states makes our childhood different from many of those in other countries where they do not have the ability to become educated. 

In addition to my previous "I Understand" statements, I would like to add:
I understand that children are not as fortunate to be able to enjoy playing outside or to enjoy and gain an education

Self and Family

I would describe my family as very tight knit and not a typical family because nowadays it is not very common to be having grandparents live with the family anymore or for all of the aunts/uncles/cousins/other grandparents be only about 15-20 minutes away from each other. My family is very lucky to have the majority of the relatives in one area and we really places the emphasis on togetherness and care for one another and that's what the majority of our activities center around is our house and our family.

Growing up I had and continue to have a very good relationship with all of my family members. My family includes (my parents, one brother, and one set of grandparents living with us) about 15 minutes away are my aunts/uncles/cousin/and other set of grandparents (all dad's side), most of mom's siblings and all of my cousins on that side are in the Philippines. With that being said, when I was growing up I was and still am very close to all of my relatives here. I am on good terms with all of my relatives in the Philippines but it is hard to achieve the type of relationship that I have with my cousins here because I only get to go to the Philippines about every 3 years.

My family relationship are very important to me, I understand it is a cliche phrase but friends go and family is and always will be there for you. I have made sure to develop and continue healthy relationships with all of my family. First off, my grandparents' time here is limited and it is important to make the most of what time I have with them. My parents were the ones who raised me and it is important I always remember where I came from and to maintain that relationship. With my brother being my only sibling, he will be one of the only direct family I have as we grow older so it is important to ensure we have a good relationship to know that we can always count on one another. My family relationships are a vital part of my life and it is high on the priority list in regards to school, work, or other friends. If there were an issue with family and an issue with other friends the family would be first to attend to.

I am satisfied with the relationship I had and have with my family members. We make it a point to be open with one another and my dad is the one responsible for instilling that trait in all of us. He would always come to my brother and I and ask "do you have any CTCI, which means Challenges, thoughts, concerns, or issues" and that was just his way of showing us that he is curious about what is going on and that he is always there for us to talk to about anything. I appreciate his doing that and his reasoning is his parents were never there for him to talk to and he did not want the same for us. The open communication and the ability to enjoy each other's company problem free for the most part is what makes these relationships healthy, long lasting, and satisfying.

My family is different compared to those with my friends or classmates mainly because their grandparents do not live with them, or in the area for that matter. Most of my friends, their families are hours, states, or even countries away and do not have the ability to establish close relationships with them.

My family compared to other countries seems normal to me. Honestly speaking, apart from the United States it seems that most countries do take their grandparents in and live nearby to their other family members; for example, hispanics, some african americans, and definitely asian countries live and have their family structures this way.

Edited "I understand" list
I understand child development varies globally.
I understand religion and culture possess a large impact on development
I understand family size and dynamics can greatly improve or cause tension in the development of children.
I understand the parenting styles each have their own pros and cons regarding child development
I understand environmental factors have an impact.
I understand the physical and non physical resources available have a place in the development of children.
I understand social status of the family impacts development.
I understand the method of education (private, public, homeschool) have their various results on development
I understand the surroundings/environment of children, even at a young age, have impacts later on in their development.
I understand the voices and words and the tone they are spoken in has impact on the child's development beginning from those voices heard even while in the womb.
I understand body language plays a large part in the family because even newborns and toddlers can pick up on these nonverbal cues and sense change.

Countries & Current Understandings

After taking the countries quiz, I was able to get 80 out of 197 correct answers. I realized I knew more countries than I thought I did and due to the general area of countries, I feel I have some sort of idea on some traditions or beliefs that they practice.

I understand child development varies globally.
I understand religion and culture possess a large impact on development
I understand family size and dynamics can greatly improve or cause tension in the development of children.
I understand the parenting styles each have their own pros and cons regarding child development
I understand environmental factors have an impact.
I understand the physical and non physical resources available have a place in the development of children.
I understand social status of the family impacts development.
I understand the method of education (private, public, homeschool) have their various results on development
I understand the surroundings/environment of children, even at a young age, have impacts later on in their development.
I understand the voices and words and the tone they are spoken in has impact on the child's development beginning from those voices heard even while in the womb.