Family Systems/Theories

This week in my Family Relations class we discussed family systems/theories. There are four types of theories, systems, exchange, conflict, and symbolic theory. If I were to define which category my family fell under it would be exchange theory. Each member of my family is very kind and willing to serve, we often do nice things for each other. It is kind of an unspoken rule that you do something nice for them in return. I love that we have this in our family. I feel like we all get along better because we live in a serviceable family. An example that was given in class was when your mom calls to make sure that you are safe or you got your package, essentially to alleviate her worries towards you. This has my mom written all over it. If I have to drive long distances I have to call her on my way out, halfway through the drive, and when I get there. I feel like families that have legitimate worries about each other are caring families. We also talked about the most important relationships in families. We all came to the conclusion that if the mom and dad do not have a healthy relationship then the rest of the family will not fall together correctly. I firmly believe that. I think that "If mom isnt happy then nobody is happy" applies to this. If there is a rift between the parents then the children will sometimes learn to solve their own problems with conflict because that is how they have seen their parents  do it. I am grateful for parents who get along and love each other. I can honestly say that I have never once heard my parents yell at each other. They know how to resolve things civilly and keep the spirit in our home.