Week 2

    This week in our family relations class we focused mostly on the negative effects that same-sex marriage can have on children. However, we also covered many other interesting topics which helped us to understand healthy child development as well. On Tuesday we discussed that as children, we naturally followed the scientific method to learn about the world around us, even though we may not have realized it. This was an interesting connection for me because I realized how much of what I know came by personal experience rather than by someone or something outright telling me about it.

After talking about this, we were then told about an interesting study on marital satisfaction, and it was surprising to learn that most couples who had reported being very dissatisfied with their marriage later ended up reporting a great deal of satisfaction with it five years later. This emphasizes the importance of communication and perseverance in a relationship, and that enduring through the ups and downs are a normal part of any long-term commitment.

As we continued our discussion on parenting, we discovered that teenagers are often more accurate at assessing and judging parenting skills as observers rather than the parents judging themselves. This was interesting because it made me consider what prideful assumptions have I made about myself, and how are those assumptions keeping me from improving as a roommate and sibling. This principle can be applied to any relationship, especially the parent-child relationship.

We also discussed the mental health challenges faced by same-sex couples, and it was disheartening to learn that they have a higher tendency to experience mental illness and attempt suicide. I think that as church members we can get so caught up in proving our own faith by pointing to these statistics (Mosiah 2:41) that we forget to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to mourn with those that mourn (Mosiah 18:9).

Finally, we examined the American Psychological Association's study on same-sex marriage, and how it can be misleading and dismissive of data that disagrees with its own claims. This is a reminder of the importance of critically evaluating research and questioning assumptions, as well as the need for honesty in scientific research.

Overall, this week's lessons showed the complexity of family relationships, and how they are shaped by many different factors such as communication, perception, and tradition. They also helped me recognize the need for empathy, understanding, and inclusivity in building strong, healthy, and supportive family relationships. By leading a life which include these values, as well as a sensitivity and submission to the Spirit, we can live a more fulfilling life.

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