This course is titled “Understanding Behavior and Family Dynamics.” In order to fully understand these ideas, we must have a thorough understanding of what family is so that we can provide family-centered support. Viewing the child as an integral part of the family helps one develop a more culturally sensitive approach. Everything we do must support the family as a whole in order to be able to advocate for the needs of the children we work with.(Supporting Partnerships for Success, n.d.).

To prepare for this discussion, read Chapter 1 of your course text and watch the video 2010’s American Family Defined:

Then, address the following:

• Examine how the definition of family shared in the video 2010’s American Family Defined is similar or different to the definition of family shared in your course text. Make sure to include specific examples to support your examination.
• Describe what providing family-centered support means to you. Use the “Guiding Principles of Family Support Programs” document to support your ideas.
• Summarize how understanding the definition of family will allow you to be family centered when advocating for children and their families. Support your summary with one additional scholarly source.

Guided Response: Review several of your peers’ responses. Respond to at least two of your peers and share an example of how you will bring one of the ideas they shared about being family centered to life in your work with children and their families.

Though two replies is the basic expectation, for deeper engagement and learning you are encouraged to provide responses to any comments or questions others have posted for you. Remember, continuing to engage with peers and the instructor will further the conversation and provide you with opportunities to demonstrate your content expertise, critical thinking, and real-world experiences with this topic.