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.