The family life cycle is the fourth element in the family systems theory. The stages in the family life cycle are couple, birth and early childhood, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, post-parental, and aging. Each life cycle impacts all members of the family, individually and as a family. For example, in my family there are individuals in the adolescence and adulthood stage, with each family member at different points in these stages. These two stages in my family connect each member together because we have to interact and function in two very different stages. We have to learn how to balance our family life and the relationships between family members in these stages individually and as a family. As I have learned in my Family and Community Relationships class, whatever happens to one family member happens to all family members. The family unit feels the actions or choices of one family member. This is especially true if one of the family members has a disability.
What is the grief cycle and how can I help families as they grieve?
As I have learned about the elements of the family systems theory, I have also learned about the grief cycle that impact how a family functions and interacts. The stages of the grief cycle are shock, denial, guilt and anger, shame, depression, and acceptance. I have seen these stages in real life as a family learns that one of their children has a disability. It is very hard for the whole family, but as a future educator who will be working with students with disabilities, it will be part of my job to help the families of my students through this grief cycle. A few things I have learned so far include being optimistic and having hope for the future of the child with a disability helps parents and family members. Another includes having open communication. Communication with the family is key because this family has entered uncharted territory and it is going to be my job and responsibility to guide them safely through this new and exciting territory. But most importantly, the best thing I can do for a family while they are grieving is to be a patient, kind listening ear.
Update on HWD (Higher, Wider, Deeper) project:
This week I learned that there are some psychology classes that I could take while still at BYU-Idaho. I have also found out that to become a behavioral interventionist, there is a 40 hour RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) training that I will also have to complete.
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