Apple’s decision to change its investment strategy took significant consideration and intentional action. Such business decisions are typically made using a particular process that treats business decisions seriously, especially amid looming economic forecasts. 

Like business institutions, the family institution is guided by process – many day-to-day (morning/bedtime routines) and some of larger scope (e.g., family vacations).  

What are family processes? 

According to social science research on the family, family processes are the functions that organize the family. These functions can include communication, coping, problem-solving, planning, leadership and perspective-taking, among others. In essence, they are the activities that influence children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development and help determine a family’s ability to adjust to evolving needs and changing circumstances. 

Why family process matters 

During the recent Sutherland/American Enterprise Institute FREE Forum, Sutherland Institute visiting scholar Brad Wilcox pointed out, 

In terms of research, we see that over and over again, that family process is such a powerful predictor of kid’s outcomes. So, it’s obviously not the case that kids who are in an intact married household where mom and dad who are fighting regularly, you know, night after night, I mean those children are obviously suffering. So, as we think about messaging on family, it’s important to … recognize and acknowledge and put forth that it’s both family structure, on average, and family process, on average, that really matter for kids. 

Research reinforces Wilcox’s statement. In regard to a child’s social development, for example, daily routines and family rituals have been linked to a 47 percent increase in a child’s odds of having social-emotional health – an indicator of good emotional and social skills later in life. High-quality family processes like these can also result in better family adjustment and adaptation to life changes, while also taking into account that adverse events can influence family processes and resulting child coping mechanisms. 

Considerations and caveats 

With the research in mind, it’s important to realize that although both family structure and family process matter and influence child outcomes, they clearly do not determine child outcomes. The stories of successful and flourishing people who grew up in various family circumstances attest to this. While family structure and family process can give children different advantages and disadvantages, children can flourish into adulthood coming from various family contexts. 

For example, Wilcox shared about his childhood upbringing by a single mother. His grandparents provided a support system for him, and the kinds of family processes that existed in their family were good ones. 

Conclusion 

Family process, in addition to family structure, matters for the future well-being of children, and it is up to parents to build and reinforce those processes. Parents need to be intentional about what family processes they create and reinforce in their children’s lives. Doing so will influence their children’s knowledge, skill levels and capacities as they embark on and encounter the realities of life. And children who may come from adverse family circumstances can still draw upon other institutional pillars for support and find their power in personal agency.