We're all connected.

First of all, I'm really enjoying my family relations class! 

We've been talking about family systems. I found a picture online that does a great job of showing how everyone is connected; some are more closely than others. 

In class we were asked to draw an example of our personal family subset(s). As I started this task I had no idea how huge and complex it would get. For example; I'm connected to my parents, but I'm also connected with my siblings. I have a special connection with my sisters and a different kind of connection with my brothers, each of these being a different subset. I have a personal relationship with each of my siblings, so there is a subset as well. There can be literally hundreds of subsets in just our own family unit. 

There is a big difference between hypothesis, theory and law. If you don't know the difference between these three things, it might be time to take a refresher elementary course. We focused on different family theories - why we're motivated to help others and the reasons behind it.

1. Exchange Theory: the "you owe me one" mentality. 
2. Symbolic interaction theory: families communicate through words, gestures, rules and roles. 
3. Conflict theory: you are motivated by a continual feeling of conflict and trying to get away from it. 

Generally speaking, I think most families have a nice combination of each of these theories. I know my family is not motivated by one theory alone, and that's alright.

Researching is a dirty word

Let's get down to the nitty gritty; researching. 

We've been talking about good and bad research this week and I've learned a lot. 

Family dinner.

My family dinner!

I know this was just an example of research Bro. Williams thought about looking into, but it has really stuck with me. Personally, I think that family dinner is really important. My parents always made a special effort to have family dinner with me while I was growing up. I honestly believe that is part of the reason we are so close. Having family dinner is an excellent opportunity to sit down and talk about anything, everything or even nothing. Just spending time with each other is what's important. At least in my opinion. I'm no professional, but I know that family dinner has made a difference in my life. If you're wondering about the pros and cons of family dinner go ahead and do some solid research or you can do an experiment of your own and try it. 

Time for a commercial break!

I know this is kind of a cheesy video, but it shows the difference between good and bad research, which is really important. Take a little extra time make sure your information is valid. 

A little about me

Here's the thing. I'm not much of a blogger. In fact, I have a hard time understanding the need for blogs at all. Maybe posting for FAML160 (Family Relations) will make me a believer.

Here goes nothing.

Post #1. Let me introduce myself to you, my name is Mattie and I'm a student at BYU-Idaho. I'm completely in love with my school and I wouldn't trade my chance to be here for anything. For my family relations class, we've been asked to post our thoughts and insights on a blog and make it our online journal. All "blog biases" aside, I am excited for the opportunity to express my feelings and ideas. If all goes well, maybe I'll be a new convert of the blog world. 

I've got a big, loud and obnoxious family. It's wonderful. I wouldn't trade families with anyone, I don't care who you are. I'm excited to learn how to make my family even better (if that's even possible). My family and the gospel are by far the most important things in my life and I can't wait to learn about both simultaneously.