The Exosystem refers to the indirect environment that the child may not interact with, but still influence the child's life. Such environments and people can include a parent's workplace or extended family members.

Now that Sasha and Linda are communicating regularly and checking in on Maxine's performance at school, Linda learns that Maxine has been being bullied at recess by another classmate. This has been going on for a few weeks and Linda learns is the reason Maxine had isolated herself from her peers. Linda is so concerned and doesn't know what to do. Later that day, Maxine's dad calls Linda to tell her that he got a promotion at work! He has been working hard trying to be recognized by his boss and it has finally paid off. His self-esteem is at an all-time high and he feels like he has enough emotional energy to step in and help figure out what to do with Maxine being bullied.