Types of Families FACS Essentials

FAMILY Consists of 2 or more people living in the same household. Most important social unit in cultures throughout the world

NUCLEAR Married couple and their children Biological or adopted Adults partner to help with parenting and providing tasks. Classic “ideal” family

SINGLE PARENT One parent & one or more children Result from Divorce, separation, death or unmarried Most commonly headed by mother Everything falls on parent; children may be given more responsibility than most Fewer resources

STEP FAMILY/ BLENDED Consists of husband and wife, of whom one or both have been married before. Includes children from one or more previous marriages Parents share responsibility Children have more adult resources with added family Adjustments of step-parent/children

EXTENDED FAMILY Several generations of one family live together sharing home and family activities More adult role models Sometimes temporary

CHILDLESS FAMILY Husband & Wife no children More time and financial resources for couple

FAMILY LIFE CYCLE FACS Essentials

BEGINNING Marriage, adjust as a couple Separation from parents Learn to work together and make decisions together

CHILDBEARING Couples from birth of first child through birth of last child 1 or more children, adjust to being a parent Less time for couple

PARENTING Couple with child(ren) Focus on rearing from infant through teenage years Reorganize family around school-age children Parents recognize individual needs of each child Teens seeks independence

LAUNCHING Children leave home for college, careers, & marriage Emotional time for parents, may be difficult to adjust Parents start to relate to son/daughter as adults

MID YEARS/EMPTY NEST Couple with independent child(ren) living away from home Empty nest= couple finds new interests Renewal of spousal relationships Become grandparents Prepare for retirement

AGING/RETIREMENT Couple during retirement until death of both spouses Enjoy leisure time, adjust to aging Focus on friendships, new interests, and hobbies

Divorce When couple legally separates Every family must adjust to structural changes Can be especially difficult for children Feel like they must choose a “side” (parent) Time is split between parents/homes May have to switch schools and lifestyle

Higher Rates of Divorce Teen marriages (especially when bride is pregnant) Difficult to adjust to parenthood and marriage Couples with low levels of education Prevents them from getting good jobs and support for family Low income couples Living on little resources is difficult Couples with differing religious groups Causes fundamental conflicts between parents

Remarriage Usually more successful than first marriage Couples are older and more mature Have learned from their mistakes Cooperation and communication is typically better Adjustments for children Have two sets of parents New siblings New home

Cycle This cycle does not always have to go in this order... Children born out of wedlock Divorce Remarriage Death of family member Important for family to come together during all parts of the cycle and work together for the better of the whole!

Scenarios Your marriage is headed for divorce. How would you settle property, child custody, divorce costs? You are a single mother. How will you cope emotionally and financially? Elderly parents need to move in with you. What conflicts and adjustments will arise? You just remarried. How will family discipline be handled? How will household chores be divided? What name do you expect the children to call you? Where should you live? How should you divide physical space?