1. Family Forms

2. Millions of Kids Children living in blended families, including either a step-parent or step- sibling. Children living with both natural parents and full brothers or sisters. Children living in extended families including other people such as uncles, cousins, aunts or grandparents. Children living in one-parent (MOM only) families. Children living in one-parent (DAD only) families. 8 million 3.6 million 7 million 17 million 42 million Family Type Number of Children 2006 statistics

3. Flexibility, adaptability and tolerance for change are helpful skills for making family life terrific!

4. Relationship What? An interaction between two or more people. Who? Parents, siblings, peers, spouse, grandparents They are constantly changing. An individual is going through various stages of his life cycle while the family is going through its cycle.

5. Family Life Cycle Leaving Home marriage Parenting Childbearing Family 0-2 1/2 years old Retirement Empty Nest Launching Center Family with Preschoolers 2 ½ - 6 yrs Family with School Children 6 -13 yrs old Parenting adolescents 14-20 yr old Independence

6. Family Life Cycle Stage 1: Beginning Family The married couple establish their home but do not yet have children. Stage 2: Childbearing Family From the birth of the first child until that child is 2 ½ years old. Stage 3: Family with Preschoolers When the oldest child is between the ages of 2 ½ and 6. Stage 4: Family with School Children When the oldest child is between the ages of 6 and 13.

7. Family Life Cycle Continued... Stage 5: Family with Teenagers When the oldest child is between the ages of 13 and 20. Stage 6: Launching Center From the time the oldest child leaves the family for independent adult life till the time the last child leaves. Stage 7: Empty Nest From the time the children are gone till the marital couple retires from employment. Stage 8: Aging Family From retirement till the death of the surviving marriage partner.

8. Write down your definition of the stereotypical family. Working dad Stay-at-home mom 2 or 3 children Only 10% of all households are in this family form.

9. American Family Forms Living Alone Advantages: Not responsible for others Disadvantages: Alone and loss of relationships POSSLQs: Persons of the opposite sex sharing living quarters. Advantages : Share of financial responsibilities and get to know each other before marriage. Disadvantage: Commitment to housing could create problems if relationship does not work out. A child could be conceived and relationship may not be ready for this step. Marrying Later in Life Waiting till in late 20’s early 30’s. Advantage: More mature and emotionally ready Disadvantage: Could have lost out on an earlier possible love..

10. Couples Having Children Later in Life (after 35) Advantage: Financially ready Disadvantage: Females could have genetic or pregnancy problems. Couples With Fewer Children Advantage : Less competition & more resources Disadvantage: less team approach & more alone Couples With No Children Advantage: More resources & time for each other Disadvantage: Alone and no legacy left as a family. American Family Forms

11. Divorced Adults Advantage: Less Conflict in the family Disadvantage: You do not see both parents all the time. Single-Parent Families Advantage: Attention on children and less on partner Disadvantage: Less resources and loneliness. Grown Children Moving In With Their Parents Advantage: Support from parents financially & emotionally Disadvantage: Parents go back to being in charge and also can enable children to where they wont move out on their own..

12. American Family Forms Grandparents Living With Families Advantage: Support to family with children Support to them if they need assistance. Disadvantage : Can create new dynamics and change room arrangements to accommodate them. Blended Families Advantage: Not alone & Diversity Disadvantage: Too much chaos & sharing of parents & personal space, etc. Working Mothers Advantage: More income to family Disadvantage: Less time to family & kids.

13. ■ Adaptability ■ Appreciation. ■ Clear roles ■ Commitment to family ■ Communication ■ Community and family ties ■ Encouragement of individuals ■ Shared time Characteristics of Strong Families

14. How Strong Is Your Family? Traditions Have this completed for Educational Leadership. Everything needs to be typed!!!!