Family Eco- Map

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Family Eco - Map

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to present my family eco-map, as specified by Hartman, the figure is as follows. It will be followed by the narrative and explanation of the eco-map. The second part of this paper will discuss contrasting theories regarding families.

Narrative of Eco - Map

According to Hartman (1978) an ecologic or in other words eco-map is used as a tool which presents a picture of a person's family. Unlike genograms which have been used to depict family times, eco maps are far more flexible since they show a broader and flexible perspective to the person's life. It also shows the relationships a person maintains with non relatives (Richmond,1917) . It is used to map the ecologic system which encompasses a certain person. This above shown eco map depicts my family and the major factors associated to it.

Central Circle

My family as shown in the eco- map is nuclear which means that the main focus of the family is care. An eco-map is vital in specifying the relationships present within the family. The inner circle includes my family; my husband and my children. The reason why they are present in the central circle is because they are the most important part of my life and they represent all that matters in life. The straight lines indicate the strong relations within the family. My husband and I have always believed in creating a positive environment for the children and that is depicted within the inner circle of the eco-map it shows in a gist a strong loving family having strong relations with each other.

Outer Circles

The outer circle presents the space around the central circle which is the family. The outer circle adds to the flexibility of the eco-maps it gives a more in depth understanding regarding various aspects of the person's life. The main areas which I have added in my outer circle include those areas which are fundamentally a part of my life and they too add a great deal of meaning in my life. The outer spaces show areas which are a part of my life on a daily basis. I have included the Church, me and my husband along with all our kids have always kept God as a major part of our lives, we regularly go to Church. I pray regularly and have also taught my children the value of praying. My children even my youngest son always turns to God for any guidance and trust Him at all times. Hence considering the importance of God in our lives the Church has been placed in the outer circle, adding the Church in the outer circle helps me to prioritize and ensure the family also keeps the church in their daily lives.

Friends have also been added in the outer circle, all the family is encouraged to meet people and interact as much as possible, it is a form of recreation and also helps the children in having ...