Challenges for Families

Chapter 20

Objectives

• Explain how changes and crises affect families.

• Identify strategies that help families cope with challenges.

• Describe specific challenges often faced by families.

• Suggest sources of help for families facing challenges.

Key Terms

• Crisis

• Custody

• Joint Custody

• Grief

• Substance Abuse

• Alcoholism

• Abuse

• Neglect

Changes and Crisis

• Change is a fact of life.

• Significant changes in the family can cause challenges and create a crisis.• Crisis – an event or situation that overwhelms usual coping

methods and causes severe stress.

• Change can present challenges because it causes you to adapt to a new situation.

Coping Strategies

• Communicate

• Cooperate

• Follow routines

• Use problem-solving skills

• Ask for help when needed

Challenges Families Face

• Moving

• Changes in Employment

• Financial Problems

• Additions to the Family

• Divorce

• Remarriage and Blending

• Teen Pregnancy

• Health Challenges

• Death

• Suicide

• Drug and Alcohol Problems

• Family Violence

• Major Disasters

Sources of Help

• Family

• Other adults you trust

• Friends

• Support groups

• Agencies and organizations

• Professional counselors