Family is the first social institution a child interacts with He acquires his/her first set of ideas, values and morals from his family. Eg. A child coming from a family of criminals is more vulnerable to committing one himself. The family environment aids the intellectual growth of a child. Eg stories of children from poor families clearing tough exams because their parents guided them in the right direction.
Elders in Indian Joint Family systems play a moderating role. It is absent in western societies. Thus, if children do not get along with parents, they tend to drift apart. Healthy customs passed on from generations help a child in leading a disciplined and organized life. Eg. Diwali Pooja teaches us the virtue of humility and gratitude.
