
We live in a society that is enriched with individuals with multiple perspectives and different values. Each individual possesses characteristics that make them who are. However, their decisions and influences lead them down different paths. On average, one young person every 1 hour and 44 minutes commits suicide (Drapeau & McIntosh). 300 out every 100,000 youth are lawfully incarcerated (Wihbey).  There are one million plus juveniles in the United States who are involved in gangs (Sam Huston State University).  These statistics are saddening but unfortunately these statistics are steadily increasing as the years go on. Youth are heavily influenced by their surroundings, which effects their adaptation to challenges in life. As an individual discovers one's identity, they often make decisions that best fit them based upon their values. 

 Our youth holds great importance in our society, as they will eventually positively or negatively contribute to society's growth. Family has the first significant impact on a child's life. This is where the child will learn their value and morals. They learn what is socially acceptable and what is deemed as negative. This is where they establish the base of who they are and what they stand for. Eventually these influences of the family affect who the individual will eventually become. Quality family time is a critical aspect in a child's life and directly affects the child's cognitive development. This is important, because as the child reaches adulthood these early influences will affect their decisions that will leave a lasting impact on society. Due to the significance of family and this fast paced society it is crucial to spend quality time with family, as time is limited.

For the purpose of this paper quality time is defined as undistracted interactions with an individual resulting in a stronger relationship mentally and emotionally. The key word "quality" attaches a sense of irreplaceable value on a relationship as it develops and strengthens. Many parents worry that they are negatively impacting their family because they are not constantly present.  It evident that those who force themselves to spend extra time with family and still have to attend to business, can bring unneeded pressure on their child and family. According to the government, an average day for a working adult with children under the age of 18 is primarily consumed by work and sleep. Sleep takes up approximately 7.7 hours and 8.9 hours is spent working (Census Bureau). About 2.5 hours are spent on leisure activities, and most importantly 1.2 hours are spent caring for others (Census Bureau).  The rest of the day is spent eating, doing household and other activities (Census Bureau). As one can see, with the stresses of society it may be difficult for one to find adequate time for family, as this is common for most families. Attachment Parenting International believes that being physically present may be tough for parents, however as long as the parent keeps the child in mind they are considered present (Murray & Curtner-Smith 3). When the child feels as though their parent understands them and is there for them mentally and physically, the quality of these interactions trumps the quantity of time spent.

Quality family time is in fact more important than the mere amount of time a parent spends with their child. According to the Washington Post, "plenty of studies have shown links between quality time, such as reading to a child, sharing meals, talking with them or otherwise engaging with them one-on-one and positive outcomes for kids" (Schulte). Quality family time does not only positively impact the child but is beneficial for both the child's and the parents' welling being. It allows the child to establish independence and autonomy when finding solution to problems. However, parents who are constantly present, and makes decisions for their child could have a detrimental impact, as the child will become overly dependent. Eventually, this will make it difficult for a child to establish their independence. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that "children also need unstructured time to themselves without the engagement of parents for social and cognitive behavior" (Schulte). The development of these social and cognitive aspects are important as it assist in creating a better individual. 

The essence of quality family time means that each individual must be actively involved in what is occurring. Parents must give their undivided attention to the present moment, and must remove all distractions that takes their focus away from their involvement. When parents engage in multiple tasks while trying to interact with the child, they become passive which not is not beneficial for the child. An example of such is when a child is in the same area as their parents but the parents are not actively interacting with the child, but instead focuses on tending to their elderly mother. (Folbre 373). Many children are not able to take advantage of this or may miss out on important lessons and positive influences because there is no active involvement. Even though children may often spend a lot of time in child care, the National Institute of Health states that "parent and family features were two to three times more strongly linked to child development than was child care than preschool years" (Family characters influence on child development). This is ironic as the child learns more from the parent who is only able to spend a few hours with them, in contrast to child care, where the child spends most of his or her day.

Many people are unaware of how impactful these influences are as children retain information well. Many researchers have discovered that "early experiences have a decisive impact on the architecture of the brain and the nature and extent of adult capacities" (Machado, 16). Therefore, these influences can significantly impact the child in the long run. Each individual has their own way of thinking which influences their behaviors and decisions. This is what makes each human being unique. According to the Cognitive Behavior Model, an individual's thoughts influences their feelings which influences their behaviors, and as a result an individual's behavior reinforces their thoughts and the cycle continues (Mcleod). This model implies that a children benefit best from a well-functioning. This is proven true as research has shown correlations between a child's behavior and how their family functions (Mahalihali). 

At a very young age family members can see the impact of their influences through the child's behavior and decisions. As stated by Mahlihali, the author of "Family influences on the Development of a child's Behavior," Family is the first unit a child is consistently connected to, and the first unit where the child begins to develop a specialization of patterns. This shows how significant family influences are during the early stages of a child's life. At this stage, children are more likely to become shaped by their parents' influences, as they independence. From birth a child's mind is like clay ready to be shaped and molded. However it is up to the parent or family to instill positive values and morals before negative outside influences affect them. Mahalihali states "parents have an enormous influence and responsibility in modeling the hearts and lives of their child." Parents' jobs are significant as they are responsible for molding the future citizens of America. This is one of the most important jobs a parent would every have as they are building either the future leaders or troublemakers of our society. As a parent "You are your baby's first teacher. Your home is your child's first classroom. Every waking hour, your child is learning something. And most likely, it's something from you" (PBS). This trusted connection from birth allows the child to fully trust and copy the actions of their parent. As the child grows he or she is forever learning from their influences. 

The presence of quality family time positively impacts the child in multiple areas of their life, but moreover it affects their cognitions. Colin Powell, the former secretary of the United States, stresses the importance of education and how families are responsible for starting their child off in the right direction. He speaks on the structure that is needed early on in the beginning of an individual's life so that they will be successful. Colin Powell speaks on how an individual learning process begins the day that he or she is born. He shares how children learn the language of their mother, and at that very moment is the start of many things. "That's when language begins. That's when love begins. That's when structure begins. That's when you start to imprint on the child "you are special, you are different from every other child in the world"" (Powell).  He includes that parents must not only teach their children basic skill, like identifying colors and telling time, but should also teach them manners and to think before acting. We need to also to teach them manners and to think before acting. When the child reaches grade school these skills will become useful as the child grows and experience later life lessons. Without taking time to teach kids these basic skills it will cause a lot of difficulty and frustration. Eventually, the child will depart to school, and realize that they are not like the other kids. This feeling of alienation may cause the child to act out. Powell shares "If you're not at the right reading level at third grade, you are a candidate for jail at age 18, and we have the highest incarceration rate because we're not getting our kids the proper start in life" (Powell). This reverts back to the need of quality family time, and how it better prepares children either emotionally, psychologically, and physically.

Due to a quality relationship a child gains much more than moral values and confidence. The individual gains an advantage as he or she is bettered prepared to handle life issues.  The "Family Influences on the Development of a Child's Behavior" article states that "Children receive care for their dependency and attention for their sociability. The kind of care and attention children receive during their early years of life affect their handling of important issues, such as trust vs. distrust and autonomy vs disunity" (Mahalihali). Children must be mentally strong to deal with emotional issues in an appropriate manner. As a child continues to age, some encounter an identity crisis due to multiple environmental influences. However, "Family support is found to have the largest effects on the self- concept variables" (Harper & Hoelter 129). It is critical to have positive experiences within the family as stated by Harper and Hoelter "experiences within the family not only increase or decrease the importance of the family for defining one's self, but affect simultaneously the relative importance of all other identities for self-definition" (130). Without a strong sense of family support during this time, it can impact the child's level of confidence, or even cause depression. As researchers have found that a child's emotional stability and competence is stimulated by the parents' ability to understand that the child is his or her own individual, who have different thoughts and motive. (Murray & Smith 2). This establishment from the beginning of the relationship allows the child to trust their parents for support during situations in their lives.

Since an individual's thoughts influence their emotions which also influence their actions, negative behavior occurs when one lacks the benefits that come along with establishing a strong quality relationship.  According to an article from the National Association of Social Workers "youth at risk for violent and antisocial behavior often suffer from alienation and lack of bonding to family, school, and community" (Mckay 5). Antisocial behavior typically develops from low self-esteem and manifests when there is a lack of attention during an individual's childhood. Without the presence of active involvement within the family, there is a tendency for the child to look for acceptance elsewhere. Acceptance from family and parental guardians is something that most individuals need. Therefore, they gain acceptance by doing things they normally would not do, by behaving differently. Often times, children who join gangs are looking for these critical needs and as a result get involved in other things that will negatively impact them. Television is a widely used form of entertainment that is readily available for children. Children are typically exposed to things such as violence, drugs, and sex when television is not restricted or monitored. These shows may exhibit many negative influences that the child may believe is popular and acceptable.  An article on the "Impact of Media Use on Children and Youth" shares the positive and negative effects in the specific medium of television on children.  Research indicates that "there is a relationship between watching violent television programming and increase a violent behavior by children" (Ford- Jones et al 301).  Unfortunately, children view these behaviors shown through television, and may try to imitate these actions and behaviors to be accepted. Children tend to look for acceptance from other role models or even groups. 

Although there are an abundance of negative effects when there is an absence of the quality family time, there are also some negative aspects within a family who bonds. Not all parents or family members make good decisions and often times they may adapt bad habits or practices. For children that are exposed to the bad habits of their parents, they are more likely to suffer from the same habits.  Bradley and Crowyn article "Socioeconomic Status and Child Development" states "As children move toward adolescence, their own health- relevant behaviors become conduit for adaptive functioning. Sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, and early engagement in risky behaviors (smoking, substance use, sexual behavior, criminal activities) frequently lead to more serious health and adjustment difficulties" (Bradley & Crowyn 385). This could be detrimental for the child if the parents continue their unhealthy lifestyle. Parents may bring unneeded stress during the quality family time due to outside sources and their unhealthy behaviors. It is proven that 59% of employees feel that the attitudes of their peers made it difficult to balance both work and life (Fursman 61). This may also bring in extra pressures that may contribute to making the bonding more uncomfortable. However, through all of the negative influences children need an "extended network" as Colin Powell mentioned in his speech. These networks extended family, family friends, or even the community are much needed as parents are not always the best influences.

Many people are unware of how important the presence of an actively involved family is. It controls almost every aspect of the individual's life in some way. The future of our world is in the hands of each generation's parents. Structure in the family is critical in order to build a strong foundation. Not all parents are positively influencing their child but, there is something positive that comes out of every experience. As an old proverb says it takes a village to raise a child. However, each village starts with the formation of a strongly bonded family.

