Understanding Families Chapter Fourteen Understanding Families © 2016 Taylor & Francis

In This Chapter You Should: Name the four subsystems of families Cite the seven family functions Identify barriers to family participation as identified by parents and school personnel Cite examples of how those barriers might be overcome © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Principles of Defining Families and Family Functions The basic unit of society in which a group of individuals coexist to meet the group’s and individual’s needs “Stereotypical” definition of family Wife, husband, two children There are four subsystems to a family unit © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Family Subsystems Marital partner subsystem Parental subsystem Sibling subsystem Extra-familial subsystem © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Family Functions Economic needs Daily care needs Socialization needs Recreational needs Self-definition needs Affection needs Educational/vocational needs © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Effective Family Interactions Keep communication clear and open Communications sent should have appropriate content and feeling Roles and responsibilities should be clear Children need clear roles and boundaries The family must be flexible to responsibility and role changes should the need arise © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Barriers to Family Involvement Logistical Barriers Complications arranging time away from work or home Communication Barriers Differing communication styles Barriers Resulting from Misunderstandings Misunderstanding how a complex school system works © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Barriers as Identified by Professionals Parental Apathy According to research, this may be overstated by educators Time Constraints Educators, much like caregivers, have limited time for collaboration Lack of Professional Expertise Lacking in skills or knowledge of how to successfully interact with families © 2016 Taylor & Francis