Free Essays on Dysfunctional Families

A Look at Dysfunctional Families â€Å"We put the fun in dysfunctional!† is a common saying heard from within the walls of my house. My family is not the expected average healthy family, but I feel my dysfunctional family is not the worst-case scenario. After surviving many unpleasant fights and divorce, I came to the realization that many other families have it even harder. I believe alcoholism, controlling parents, and abuse are the three main influences in a dysfunctional family. To lengthen my observation I reviewed the patterns and common behaviors between each effect. Parents that are too controlling over their child’s life can definitely make a family dysfunctional. Controlling parents fail to allow their children to assume responsibilities appropriate for their age. These parents continue dominating and making decisions for their children well beyond the age at which this is necessary. Controlling parents are often driven by a fear of becoming unnecessary to their children. The main problem in this behavior reflects on the parents. Alcoholic families tend to be chaotic and unpredictable. Rules that apply one day don't apply the next. Promises are neither kept nor remembered. Parents may be strict at times and indifferent at others. In addition, discussion about the alcohol use or related family problems is usually nonexistent. Family members are usually expected to keep problems a secret, therefore preventing anyone from seeking help. All of these factors leave children feeling insecure, frustrated, and angry. This is one of the worst key elements a dysfunctional family can have. Although the parent is an alcoholic they can be both abusive and controlling at the same time. Abuse can be verbal or physical. Verbal abuse, such as frequent belittling criticism, can have lasting effects. Criticism can be aimed at the child's looks, intelligence, capabilities, or basic value. Some ver... Free Essays on Dysfunctional Families Free Essays on Dysfunctional Families A Look at Dysfunctional Families â€Å"We put the fun in dysfunctional!† is a common saying heard from within the walls of my house. My family is not the expected average healthy family, but I feel my dysfunctional family is not the worst-case scenario. After surviving many unpleasant fights and divorce, I came to the realization that many other families have it even harder. I believe alcoholism, controlling parents, and abuse are the three main influences in a dysfunctional family. To lengthen my observation I reviewed the patterns and common behaviors between each effect. Parents that are too controlling over their child’s life can definitely make a family dysfunctional. Controlling parents fail to allow their children to assume responsibilities appropriate for their age. These parents continue dominating and making decisions for their children well beyond the age at which this is necessary. Controlling parents are often driven by a fear of becoming unnecessary to their children. The main problem in this behavior reflects on the parents. Alcoholic families tend to be chaotic and unpredictable. Rules that apply one day don't apply the next. Promises are neither kept nor remembered. Parents may be strict at times and indifferent at others. In addition, discussion about the alcohol use or related family problems is usually nonexistent. Family members are usually expected to keep problems a secret, therefore preventing anyone from seeking help. All of these factors leave children feeling insecure, frustrated, and angry. This is one of the worst key elements a dysfunctional family can have. Although the parent is an alcoholic they can be both abusive and controlling at the same time. Abuse can be verbal or physical. Verbal abuse, such as frequent belittling criticism, can have lasting effects. Criticism can be aimed at the child's looks, intelligence, capabilities, or basic value. Some ver...