The Importance of the Family Structure and How it Contributes to the Child's Success in Life

We’ve all heard of the saying “nature versus nurture”, but what does that really mean? It means that your environment shapes the way that you or your children grow up. Or, it could mean that your family shapes the way you, and your children, become successful. The truth of the matter is that it’s simply not that black and white. It takes a little bit of nature and a little bit of nurture to raise a truly successful child. 

Family structure is hugely important for the way that your child grows up, and having a healthy family structure that's supportive of your child is critical to his or her success. Let’s dive in and see what that looks like in a practical sense. 

Ideologies of Self in the Black Community. 

Growing up in the United States seems like a dream. After all, you’re living in the land of milk and honey, right? Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work like that in the real world. For black Americans, the reality of that discrepancy is even more prominent. And, it’s led to some pretty sad and unbalanced forms of self-image in the African American community. 

To begin with, black Americans have to work twice as hard to be successful in the United States. The obstacles facing them are many and add extra difficulties and barriers to their success. Secondly, the rise of police violence against African Americans has created an element of fear around cops. Black Americans grow up fearful of cops and learning that they can’t always trust the law. Finally, the American media is frequently seen to represent that black is less than beautiful, leading to a sense of self-deprecation and a lack of self-confidence in African Americans without a family structure that teaches black is beautiful, strong, intelligent and the epitome of global excellence.  

Throughout culture, black Americans and Africans have made tremendous contributions to society, mathematics, history, culture and continue to do so every day. Unfortunately, this isn't always taught in schools and must come from the family structure. 

How Strong Family Structure Can Help Overcome False Perceptions of Self 

While the challenges facing African American children are much greater than those facing white children in the United States today, there are some things we can do to combat the false perceptions of self given to black children. Through a strong, solid family structure we can help teach kids that they can do anything and they can overcome any challenge thrown their way. 

One of the ways a strong family structure helps children in this way is through male role models. Having a strong male father in a child’s life helps to breed confidence. Children are shown that they are capable and beautiful when they’re given a healthy role model to look up to. 

It’s important to note as well that one way of creating a strong family dynamic for black children is to dive into the community. They say it takes a village to raise a child and for black families in America, having a community can help give children the support and confidence they need to be successful in life. 

Majority of American Families are Multicultural and Intergenerational

As we talk about how family helps shape the lives of black children, it’s extremely important to understand that “family” doesn’t always mean being biologically related. What it means is having a community with the united goal to help the children grow into well rounded, confident, capable adults. 

The “families” that most children grow up with are multicultural and encompass many generations. And that’s the beauty of it; it’s beautiful to have families that are united despite racial, generational, and demographic differences. 

Let’s unite together and start changing the way our children grow up, with supportive, accepting, encouraging communities.