Roadblocks Chapter 12

New Family Members  New additions to the family can include a new sibling, a cousin who has come to live with you, a grand parent, new step parents, etc. All of these can be wonderful things but they can also come with challenges.  Sometimes these additions can add stress, insecurity, and resentment.

New Family Members  It is YOUR option as to how you view this addition. What are some positves to the following:  New Sibling  College aged sibling returning home  Grandparents  Cousin  New parental figure

Teenage Pregnancy  Having a child is a life-changing experience.  This is especially true when the pregnancy is unplanned and the parents are teenagers  With parenthood comes many responsibilities.

Challenges of Teen Pregnancy  Financial  Child care  Education  Housing

Moving  How many of you have ever had to move, either a school or home?  How did that make you feel?

Moving  Moving can be both challenging and exciting.  What are some ways one could make the transition of moving easier?

Unemployment  Sometimes you may have to deal with a parent or guardian losing a job.  Layoffs and other unemployment can be difficult for many families.  When someone loses a job they can experience low self esteem, anger and frustration  Stress is also included in these struggles  How could a teenager help?

Financial  Financial or money related problems are often triggered by the loss of a job, natural disaster, serious illness, or even a death.  Many families struggle financially because their incomes simply doesn’t stretch enough.

Dealing with financial problems  Create a bill-paying plan: most creditors are willing to schedule new arrangements for paying. They can protect your credit rating.  Find Help: Most communities offer consumer credit counseling.  Tighten your spending: entertainment and clothing  Be understanding: put other family members needs ahead of yours

Natural Disasters  Families all over the world experience natural disasters.  Earthquakes  Hurricanes  tornadoes,  Floods  Fires

Homelessness  What is homelessness?  Homelessness has increased over the past few years due to the economy.  Many communities have agencies that can help such as the Salvation Army and the Red Cross.  These agencies can provide temporary shelter for people who lose their home.

Death  A death is a crisis and is life altering.  When death strikes it is natural to experience grief, the closer you are to someone the more it affects you.  People handle grief differently.  Most people need sometime of closure.

Suicide  Death by suicide is caused by a person taking their own life.  Family members may feel as if the death was their fault. It is important to remember that no one is to blame.  Sometimes there are warning signs such as depression, mood swings, giving away of personal items, or talk of death.  If you suspect someone is contemplating suicide don’t be afraid to seek help and show you care.

Separation and Divorce  When parents separate or divorce, usually one parent moves out of the family home.  Some couple separate and get back together  Others choose to divorce.

Separation and Divorce  Kids dealing with separation and divorce can struggle with many different emotions.  Some may blame themselves  They may feel isolated and lonely.

Separation and Divorce  Sometime parents involve bitter feelings and try to make negative comments about the other.  It is easy to feel torn between, it is important to spend time with both parents and share your feelings.  Adjusting to divorcé takes a lot of time, emotional healing, and special effort.

Substance Abuse and Addiction  Substance abuse can often put a family on the fast track to a crisis.  People who use drugs can develop an addiction. Or a physical or psychological dependence on drugs.  Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance.  Alcoholism is the physical and mental dependence on alcohol.  People who are addicted to alcohol are call alcoholics

Effects of Substance abuse on the family  Substance abuse effects all involved.

Violence in the Home  Sometimes a family member harms or threatens to harm another’s physical or mental health.  Abuse can take many forms.  Emotional  Physical  Sexual  Neglect  Abuse almost always comes in cycle and is usually repeated. This makes for low self esteem.

Crime  Victims of crime can be emotionally scarred. Family and friends need to show support.  If a family member commits the crime all members of that family are affected.

Get Help  Extended family  Trusted adults  Friends  Support group  Community organizations  Law enforcement