Family Life

Family StructureNuclear – a couple and their biological or adopted children

Single-parent – one parent raising the children as a result of death or divorce

Blended – The single parent(s) remarry. The step-parent may have children of their own, resulting in step-siblings

Extended – Other relatives, such as grandparents or cousins, live with the family

(Circle your family type)

Trends in FamiliesDivorce rate has increased

Divorce is most common in teenage couples

More Mom’s are workingMoving is more common

Family Life CycleThe family life cycle shows the basic stages that families go through in life (Circle the stage(s) your family is in)

BeginningCouple newly married, no kids

Parental/Child rearingCouple becomes parents

LaunchingChildren leave home for work/college

Empty NestStage after kids leave the house and before retirement

RetirementCouple done working and have more leisure time

Family RolesBasic Needs: Food, clothing, shelterEmotional Needs: Love, acceptanceIntellectual Needs: Supportive of education/homework, etc.

Socialization Needs: Teaching Appropriate Behavior

Family Member Role

Family HistoryWhat are your family traditions? Where are you from? Describe the members of your family.

Family ConflictFamily conflict occurs when family members disagree with one another

Major conflict can be a result of parents and children not agreeing

Conflict can also occur when families merge or blend

Families need to find a balance in work/rest/play

To solve problems, families need to:Tackle problems togetherLook for positive solutions in all situationsGet help when needed

(How does your family resolve conflict?)

Family IssuesFamilies are codependent when they allow one family member’s problem to control everyone’s behavior

Families should never cover for a member who has a serious problem, such as alcohol or drug dependency

Abuse can be emotional as well as physical

Family ValuesFamily members need to talk about their feelings

Each family member should assume their fair share of responsibilities around the house

Families strengthen through:Establishing traditionsSpending time togetherWorking toward common goalsGood communication , i.e. family calendars with schedules

Show respect for one another i.e. knock on closed doors

(What is important to your family?)

My FamilyWrite a paragraph about your family. What do you love most about your family? What would you like to change?