Our theories about family processes are intellectual maps we use to describe families. Theories give us power. They help family life educators devise methods of changing things or solving problems so people can better attain their goals. Theories give us ideas of better ways to reach our goals. There is no one grand theory that will explain everything about families.
Families are so complex that it is impossible for any one theory to explain everything.
Therefore, it is helpful for family life educators to learn and be able to apply several different theories. Being able to apply different theories to different situations gives the family life educator a better basis for solving the problems of families. Good theories are helpful. If theories are analytical tools or maps, they must be useful and help family life educators accomplish their goals. They must help us understand important questions and help us solve important problems to be valuable.