Growing Up in a Single-Parent Urban Family
Families come in different forms and experience life in different ways, but one thing unites them – a desire to be together. A dictionary definition of family includes terms like social group, parents, children, and households, but we all know that family means much more than that. In Unit 6, you observe many different types of families, from the traditional to the newer structures that exist today. In this assignment, you are asked to choose a type of family other than your own and describe what it would be like to grow up in that family.
Select a family type other than your own from Unit 6. Then imagine what your experience might be as a child growing up in that family. Note: that you need to use facts to support your writing.
Write a memoir of those experiences that includes:
The family structure: Did two parents, one parent, or grandparents raise you? Describe the people who fit the role of a parent – their gender, economic status, and parenting style (authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved, authoritative. Use this link for more information on parenting stylesLinks to an external site..
Describe where you live – the type of neighborhood and home (for example, an urban neighborhood and an apartment, a suburban neighborhood and a townhouse or single-family home, or a rural neighborhood and a farmhouse.
Describe the cultural influences on the family – either due to ancestry, religion, or social connections
Describe the families rules
Recount what was expected of you – chores, achievements, extracurricular activities
Describe a family tradition such as birthday and holiday celebrations or other special occasions. Include a detailed description of the foods you might have eaten and the things you might have done during the occasion.
Growing Up in a Single-Parent Urban Family
Introduction
Family structures have evolved over the years, and one prevalent family type in today’s society is the single-parent urban family. In this memoir, I will imagine what my experience might be like growing up in this family structure. Drawing on facts and research, I will describe the family structure, the living environment, cultural influences, family rules, expectations, and a special family tradition.
1. Family Structure
In my single-parent urban family, I am raised by my mother, who is a strong and resilient woman. She works full-time to provide for our family’s needs. Despite the challenges of raising a child alone, she is dedicated and loving. As a single parent, my mother adopts an authoritative parenting style. She sets clear expectations, provides guidance, and encourages independence while maintaining a warm and supportive environment.
2. Living Environment
We reside in a diverse urban neighborhood with bustling streets and high-rise apartment buildings. Our apartment is cozy yet functional, providing us with the necessary space to live comfortably. Although it may be smaller than a suburban home, our apartment offers the advantage of being centrally located, granting us access to various cultural institutions, parks, and educational opportunities.
3. Cultural Influences
Cultural influences play an essential role in our single-parent urban family. My mother’s ancestry and cultural background shape our traditions and values. We celebrate our cultural heritage through language, customs, and traditional cuisine. Additionally, our urban environment exposes us to a diverse range of cultures and communities, fostering an appreciation for inclusivity and diversity.
4. Family Rules
In our single-parent urban family, clear rules are established to ensure harmony and discipline. These rules include respect for one another, honesty, and responsibility for personal belongings. We emphasize open communication, encouraging dialogue and problem-solving as a way to resolve conflicts effectively. These rules create a stable and supportive environment where I can thrive.
5. Expectations
As a child growing up in a single-parent urban family, certain expectations are placed upon me. Alongside my academics, my mother encourages me to engage in extracurricular activities that promote personal growth and development. She values a well-rounded education and encourages me to explore my interests through participation in sports, clubs, or artistic pursuits. Furthermore, she instills the importance of contributing to our community through volunteer work or service projects.
6. Family Tradition: Holiday Celebrations
One cherished family tradition in our single-parent urban family is the celebration of holidays. On Thanksgiving, we gather with close friends and neighbors in our building’s communal area for a potluck feast. The tantalizing aromas of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce fill the air as everyone contributes their specialty dish. Laughter and conversations flow freely as we share stories and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives.
After the meal, we engage in games and activities that bring us closer together. Board games such as Monopoly or charades create a sense of friendly competition while fostering bonding among neighbors. As the evening draws to a close, we exchange heartfelt words of appreciation and reflect on the joys of community and friendship.
Conclusion
Growing up in a single-parent urban family offers a unique experience filled with resilience, love, and diverse cultural influences. The strong bond between my mother and me, combined with our urban environment’s richness, shapes my upbringing. From the bustling streets to the cozy apartment, the cultural traditions to the family rules, each aspect contributes to my growth as an individual within the context of my single-parent urban family.