Chapter 14- Role of Families Mrs. Millard Independent Living

Types of Families:

Blended Family  A blended family consists of a husband and a wife, at least one of whom has at least one child from a previous relationship.  Children become stepchildren of the new spouse, who becomes their stepparent.

Extended Family  An extended family is a family group consisting of parents, children, and other close relatives.  This includes aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins.

Nuclear Family  A nuclear family is a husband, wife, and their children.

Single-parent family  A single-parent family is when there is only one parent in the house.  This may be because of a death, a divorce, or a separation.

Adoptive Family  An adoptive family is when one or more children not born into a family are made permanent members of that family by law.

Foster Family  Foster families are when a couple or individual assumes responsibility for the care of a child for an indefinite period of time.  Some foster children are removed from their families by state welfare agencies because of neglect, or other family problems.

Family Trends:

1. Birth Rate  In 1800, the average family included 7 children. By the early 1990s, that number had dropped by two.  To limit expenses, or establish careers, many married couples remain childless or postpone having children for several years.

2. Women in the workplace  Most women now work for wages, outside the home or in home offices.  This has increased the number of dual-career families.

3. Increasing lifespan  People are living longer, but not always independently.  More and more middle aged adults are now the primary caregivers for both their aging parents and their own children.  Others help support their parents financially.

4. Mobility  People are more likely now than ever to change their residence.  Some families move several times.  They may leave an area where the economy is faltering or one where it is thriving.

5. Divorce  Once a rarity, divorce is now as common as a marriage.  Divorce Rate currently: 60%

Functions of a Family: 1.Meeting Physical Needs 2.Promoting Emotional Growth 3.Shaping Social Development 4.Aiding Intellectual Growth 5.Guiding Moral Growth

1. Meet physical needs  Food, clothing, shelter  health care  protection from danger/accidents

2. Promote emotional growth  Nurture (love and acceptance)  Refuge for sympathy and healing

3. Shape social development  Basic skills (sharing and communication) are learned in the family and carried over into outside relationships. - please and thank you - good manners and helpful attitude  Children model what they see and hear  Families pass on cultural heritage/traditions

4. Aid intellectual growth  The family is the child's first teacher. - parents, siblings, other members

5. Guide moral growth  Taught directly and indirectly - direct: told to never tell a lie - indirect: observe parent truthfulness - direct: told to always respect older people - indirect: observe respect being shown to older people

 NO FAMILY MEETS ALL THE NEEDS, BUT SOME DO MUCH BETTER THAN OTHERS!!

Family Traditions Answer the following questions in complete sentences: 1. At my house the most important holiday of the year is….and why?: 2. The favorite food or foods of my family is/are….because?: 3. One unusual custom that my family practices is: 4. It is a tradition at our house to: 5. A tradition I would like to incorporate into my family is: Draw a colorful, creative, and neat picture of you and your family and one of your traditions.