According to Garris L. Christian (2006) describes the six characteristics of families, which are based on their unique beliefs, cultural context and family tradition. Three of the six characteristics that strike me strongly are role, rule and hierarchy. The role of the family can be described as never good enough, peacemaker, everyone feels responsible within the family, many activities, too much work, available at home and/or outside. Each role has certain behavioral expectations. These characteristics of the role of families are very positive behaviors, but there can also be negative consequences. Settled families follow the tradition of the eldest person in the family setting standards and loyalty to parents, brothers or sisters. The term of the hierarchical family structure in males and older family members occupies a higher status. This would include children obeying parents' strict family rules and taking on a higher status attitude. Garris (2006) states in the article regarding the role of family, which illustrates my family system. The family system has a significant impact on family members. I saw my family members again. Each had a particular role, one became very “helpful”, and the others became very “helpless”. For example, I have a brother who was a “silent helper” and was very industrious. Whenever my mom or dad needed him for help, they naturally called him. They forgot that he wasn't there or unavailable at the time. Even when he went to church, or school, the teachers or church members always asked him for help. Another brother, however, has willingly entrusted himself until now to my good helper brother. According to the article it states: "There is usually a peacemaker, a clown, a rescuer... middle of paper... crimes, misunderstandings and even hostility towards children, families and teachers can occur" (Garris, 2006, p. 5). Family rules sometimes create a dilemma for children. Children are unable to distinguish what is right or wrong. The article and my life experience helped me understand the six characteristics: boundaries, roles, rules, hierarchy, climate and balance and how they work. Every family is unique. I am convinced that, as early childhood educators, we must have these skills and knowledge to help children and families. According to Gui (2006), “Making an effort to understand families will open up opportunities to better serve children and their families (Garris, 2006, p. 8). The more we understand a child's family, the better we serve the family because we can get a lot of information from children through their parents.