Each Family is Unique... mostly

This week in classes we talked about roles in our families. While reading an article for one of the homework assignments I came across a paragraph that totally described my family. This article talks about family roles that the children fall into. This paragraph described children's roles in the family. The oldest is the "hero." I had to laugh when I read this because my older brother is totally the hero. The article talks about how they have it all together, this is often a stressful role but has many rewards. The second child is the delinquent. I wouldn't call my sister a delinquent, but I think as a teenager she was difficult at times. The third child is the invisible child. That would be me. I'm not invisible, but I often keep a low profile, like the article says. The last child is the clown. I also laughed at this one because my little brother is the clown. He cracks jokes all the time and uses humor a lot. While my family plays these roles in our own unique ways, we do fall into these roles.

Family is declining

I really like how before each class we start with a not only a prayer but with a song. Monday we sang "A Child's Prayer" and we did both versus and then a round and it was amazing. It totally invited the spirit into the classroom and established the mood for the class. 

This week we had to watch a movie on demographic's. I found it really interesting because while everyone believes that the population is increasing at a high rate, its actually declining. Birth rates are declining and by 2065 world population will decline. Family sizes are decreasing and so is the value of families. It was sad to hear from people in the video that families simply aren't important. Birth rates are decreasing for several reasons. People are putting off marriage (even Mormons) so therefore are having children later but cannot have as many children.

It makes me sad to this because family is very important to me. I believe that everyone needs family. It is a perfect network of support and children learn how to cooperate and solve problems with people from a young age. 

Let's begin!

I am excited to start this blog! This blog will mostly be what I have learned in my Family Relations class at Brigham Young University-Idaho. In this class we talk about marriage and the family. Everyone in the class is required to start a blog and write about impressions they felt in class, what we have learned, or really anything about the family.

Matthew, Me, Dad, Mom, Megan, Nathan Dec. 2011

I love my family! There are 6 people in my family. My dad, mom and 4 children. I am the 3rd child. Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I believe that I can be with my family for forever. Even after we die! I love my family and wouldn't trade them for anyone else!