To adequately summarize this issue, we need to start at the most basic level, simply defining what a family system is. The traditional thinking of a family system is that a man and a woman live together with children, but as we all know, relationships have since evolved and are not always between a man and a woman. The ideal family system encourages proper child development by meeting the child's developmental needs in the areas of emotional, physical, cultural, and necessary stimuli. Today there are same-sex couples trying to function as a family system with children. By saying this I am not arguing that this is necessarily the correct way to function as a family, but all family systems approaches have their benefits and challenges when it comes to healthy development in a child's life. Exodus 20:12 states, “Honor your father and your mother, that you may live long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” In this verse God outlines the family system of a man and a woman. In my opinion, I believe that it is possible to discern a healthy family system from children and their behaviors. If children receive adequate nutrition and are appropriately involved, they will show clear signs of healthy development. Our readings from Development Across the Lifespan outline factors that play a role in development such as a child's nutrition, their environment, environmental factors such as culture, language development, and their sense of self. All of these factors are things a family is expected to provide for a child in order to promote healthy development. If a child lacks something like nutrition, then he will not be able to grow properly. For example, our text states: “Because… in the middle of the card… it basically depends on whether the effect is positive or negative. Overall, family systems play an important role in a child's development socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It is up to the family system to have a positive influence on a child to help him in positive growth and development instead of hindering him with negative influences. As Christians it is our job to do our best to help and pray for those family systems that are not functioning adequately for the good of the child. 1 Timothy 5:8 states, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” In this verse it can be assumed that in due time God will take care of those parents who cannot take care of their children, however all we can do is pray and reach out to those in need within our limits.