Phoenix:
What Will It Be When It Grows Up?
Page 2 of 3
FAMILY HISTORY
Child is the first born to parents who were not married at the time of conception. Parents agreed to marry despite their own reluctance and against the strong urgings of the extended family that was primarily European on one side and mixed Hispanic and Native American on the other side. The young parents struggled to incorporate each other's values with limited success, but both parents remain committed to the marriage, perhaps both out of stubbornness and desire to emerge victorious, but committed nonetheless. Client has a number of younger adopted siblings, some of whom are experiencing similar problems, with this particular child being the most volatile in the family.
STRENGTHS
This family is blessed with a wide variety of cultural influence and parents remain committed to preserving their values. This family also demonstrates the ability to incorporate new ideas by also trying to include the backgrounds of their adopted children. The family has a wide variety of healthy activities which they enjoy including hiking, biking, and gardening. There is a focus on education although parents do not always agree on the value of education when compared to other important things like providing care for family members.
WEAKNESSES
Parents vacillate in their level of cooperation with some years being better than others. Parents are both nervous about the future and both sometimes contemplate divorce. Arguments can become intense at times with each slinging hurtful remarks at each other in front of the children. There is an overall mild anxiety present that is evidenced in fast personal tempo, short temper, and irritability.
