1 Living in Families When you think of the word family, what comes to mind? Notes: Definition Family- Is a group of two or more people who usually care about each other and are committed to each other. Why is a family so important for a child’s healthy development?

2 A family is every child’s first connection to the world. A strong family foundation if one of the best gifts for a child. The family should provide an environment for a child to love and be loved in. Can you identify some different types of families?

3 Family Open Faced Sandwich Family: Consists of parents having older children (often with their own children) move back in with them. Usually done for economic reasons. Is a return to the traditional extended family Advantages? Disadvantages? TV family?

4 More definitions 1) The Nuclear Family: Is a family group with two generations- a father and mother and at least one child- sharing the same household. There are many variations in a nuclear family. Often we see parents who have chosen adoption as an option.

5 Adoption: The legal process in which people obtain the permanent right to raise a child who is not biologically their own. Today the emphasis on adoption is on finding good homes for children who need them. Matching characteristics such as race, religion, etc., is no longer considered especially important as it once was.

6 Another option Foster child: a child whose parents or other close family members are unable to care for him or her. Foster parents assume temporary legal responsibility for the child.

7 The Extended family- Is a group that includes relatives other than parents and children within a single household. For example a woman raises her grandsons, an elderly man lives with his daughter, son-in –law, and his granddaughter.

8 The Single-Parent Family- Is a family group that consists of one parent and one or more children sharing a household. ( The parent in this type of family may be either a mother or a father). What challenges do single parent families experience?

9 Some challenges for single-parent families: Greater share of responsibility Economic challenges. No spouse to share challenges/joys with. Little free time, leading to more stressors.

10 Finally, The Blended Family Is a family group that consists of a married couple and at least one child from a parent’s previous relationship. Accommodations and compromises may be necessary on many different levels.

11 The Family Life Cycle

12 Family Life Cycle There are many differences between families but there are many similarities too. Each family group goes through the family life cycle Family Life Cycle is a series of stages which occur in a predictable order The timing and duration of each stage may vary widely from family to family

13 Stages of the Family Life Cycle Beginning Stage – A couple works to establish a home and a marriage relationship Parental Stage 1: Childbearing Stage – The couple prepares and adjusts to parenthood Parental Stage 2: Child-rearing Stage – As children grow, the parents work to meet their children’s changing needs and help them develop independence

14 Stages Parental Stage Three: Launching Stage – Children gradually leave home to support themselves. Parents help their children adapt to life on their own. Middle Age Stage : Empty-Nest Stage – After the last child has left home, the couple renews their relationship and adjusts to the change in their parenting role

15 Stages Retirement Stage – The couple adjusts to the aging process. They may develop new interests or renew old ones.

16 Variations in the Family Life Cycle Any of the following situations may change the pattern of the family life cycle or the characteristics of each stage. Single adulthood Single parenthood Divorce Remarriage Couples without children Adult children who move back in with parents

17 Functions of Families: The purpose of a family is to work together in order to provide members with all of their basic needs. a) What 3 basic needs should be met? -food/water -shelter -clothes

18 b) What are some other important family needs? -caring for the sick / finding ways to be healthy -safety (looking out for each other) -emotional love, support and cooperation -positive social interaction with each other and friends -the ability to learn from each other

19 c) How do adults pass on important values to their children/family? -through example: treating others with respect show children how to behave -through communication: talking things out -some family have religious values that help children learn right from wrong or about other traditions

20 Discussion question: Adults need to explain and demonstrate acceptable behaviour such as what is appropriate in certain situations... How should children speak to and treat adults?

21 Trends Affecting Family Systems Social Trends – as more women become active in the work force, society faces a growing need for facilities and individuals that provide quality child care. Rising population of older citizens Changing family roles Mobility Family Values

22 Ways Families can be Strengthened Commitment – a promise of loyalty to the family unit –polite and respectful behavior towards each other. Time Together – plan time to spend together – changes as members change and grow Communication – show interest and involvement by talking and listening to each other

23 Ways to Strengthen Family Appreciation – speak and act affectionately towards each other – members are appreciated for who he or she is – take opportunities to praise other family members Shared Beliefs – share a clear set of beliefs and traditions – provide a essential frame of reference for making decisions Coping skills – families confronting difficulties openly – recognize issue and deal with them

24 What are some sources of support for families? 1) Other extend family relatives 2) Other families 3) Sympathetic friends 4) Co-workers 5) Heath professionals ex. doctors 6) Community workers/members 7) Social Workers 8) Counsellors 9) Religious advisers 10) Local family services agencies By using one or more of these sources of support, parents can help strengthen family relationships and help relive any stress.