5 Toxic Things Eroding the Family Unit
Rush, rush, and hurry, hurry; those are the sounds of the modern family.
Long gone are the days where the family is first and an obvious priority in a busy and fast-paced world.
As a family with young children, I see the writing on the wall and what is expected as the kids grow older.
Society says I am to put my children in every sport under the sun until my kids are stretched thin and stressed out, even as young as five years old.
My kids, used to having every whim and desire indulged, will end up self-centered and entitled, thinking life is purely about them.
As a parent, our weekends are to be spent running from one activity to another, with time at home kept to a minimum.
What time is left from taking kids everywhere, should be spent with constant activities, so we can prove we have an exciting life on social media.
Yet personally, I am not ok with the trend of the modern “family”.
I don’t want to look back on a lifetime together knowing I should have done something to stop the madness and to be the change I want to see in the world.
But what’s at the core of the erosion, you ask?
What can we identify as the root of problem?
These five toxic things have changed the shape of family life:
Social media and technology
While technology and modern advancement can be a blessing, it is a dangerous place for family members. Moms and dads too consumed with their phones, {we are guilty of this in our home, too!} don’t pour into the lives of their children as much as in days without these trappings.
Children also are drawn to technology, leaving less time for interaction with their family, and are more concerned with games and the latest status updates.
Social media has been a threat to the family since its inception. Personally, it drives me crazy how everyone has the perfect life on social media and the grass is always greener on someone else’s Facebook page.
Social media can erode the hearts and minds of children, with images, words, and concepts that were never meant to be for impressionable eyes.
It’s dangerous territory! Guard your hearts, minds, and family members while using it!
Weak dads and overpowering moms
Dads used to be strong males who knew how to guard and shepherd the family. Society today portrays all dads as weak, bumbling fools, who are lacking the most basic of sense.
Dad has been stripped of his power in the home, meanwhile, the supermom who can be all and do all for her family has been placed in charge.
Friends, this is outside of God’s design for the family.
He created the male to be strong and lead the entire family, including his wife.
While it’s not a popular concept, losing this dynamic in the family has created generations that are confused and the vicious cycle continues.
No boundaries for the children
Why is it that parents rarely say no to children these days?
Why is it that children have become the center and focal point of the family?
This is dangerous ground!
What has emerged is a modern generation who thinks that life is about them and children who believe they are entitled to anything in life.
These children grow up and turn into adults who feel and act the same way.
This honestly makes me afraid for the future!
Busy schedules
Busy schedules are now worn like badges of honor, with the social media pictures to prove it!
These days, families don’t have as many opportunities to bond and connect because of busyness.
Parents, don’t be afraid of limiting your child’s activities and carving out quality time with just your family.
You will not regret the bond that forms because of it!
Removing God from the center of the family
Taking God out of the family is the most detrimental of all!
Without God at the center, there is no focus, no backbone, no conviction within the family.
Without God it’s easy to let problems get out of hand until one member wants to throw in the towel.
Without God there’s no compass, no direction for the family.
Friends, our family units are on the verge of being extinct and it’s time to take drastic measures to guard the precious time and fleeting moments we have together.
But, is it possible to take a stand for the family unit and make a difference in the community around us?
Can change really happen in a poisoned world, where the idea of the strong, old-fashioned family unit is somehow wrong and not politically correct?
I say yes.
I say that the strengthening of one family unit can spark an initiative in a community, and together we can repair the the damage the modern family has undergone in the past 65 years.
Join me on a campaign, the Strong Family Project {#strongfamilyproject}, to encourage families to reconnect, re-prioritize, and revitalize life at home.
May this on-going series help families build a strong foundation and a lifetime of wonderful memories!
Stay connected to this inspiring series in the following ways:
Join the Strong Family Project Facebook Group for encouragement and support for all things family. You’ll love our community and the chance to interact with families in the same season of life
Grab your free Strong Family Printable pack here!
This exclusive subscriber freebie will be filled with printables to help you enjoy your family and cement your bond forever.
