Building Strong Families 3.1 Family Characteristics

Discussion Questions What does family mean to you? What are qualities or characteristics that make a strong family?

Qualities of Strong Families Work together to provide for the needs of the family Prepare children to live in our society Spend time together Share responsibilities Work together to resolve differences Listen to each other with an open mind Show appreciation towards one another

Functions of the Family Meet Basic Needs Physical- food, clothing, shelter, health, and safety Emotional- to love and be loved; to care and to be cared for Social- to help others, sharing, teamwork Intellectual- language, numbers, colors Prepare Children to Live in Society Learning how to live with others Adults teach children values or what is important through: Example- treat children and others with respect. Communication- explaining why it is wrong to hit others. Religious Training- learning the principles of right and wrong.

Other Functions of the Family Provide Support Form Traditions Tradition- a custom that is followed over time. Celebrations, Family Traditions, Patterned Family Interactions Share Values Values- beliefs held by an individual, family, community, or society. The importance of something (like respect, honesty) Passed on through example, communication, & religious training.

Family Structure Nuclear Family Single-Parent Family Includes a mother and father and at least one child. Also known as the traditional family Single-Parent Family Includes either a mother or a father and at least one child. Custodial parent- the parent with whom the child resides.

Family Structure Blended Family Extended Family Is formed when a single parent marries another person, who may or may not have children. Step Family (parents) Extended Family Includes a parent(s), at least one child, and other relatives who live with them.

Family Structure Joining a Family Legal Guardian- person who is designated by a legal process to assume responsibility for raising a child. Usually a relative or very close family friend Adoption- legal process in which children enter a family they were not born into. Foster Child- a child that comes from a difficult circumstance and is placed in temporary care of another person.

The Family Life Cycle 1. Couple Stage 2. Expanding Stage Couples grow closer Work together to establish a home and marriage relationship 2. Expanding Stage Arrival of a child (begins parenthood) Prepares for and adjust to parenthood 3. Developing Stage Children grow; parents work to meet children’s needs Focus of the family is socialization and developing independence of children.

The Family Life Cycle 4. Launching Stage 5. Middle Stage Children gradually leave the home to support themselves Parents help their children adapt to life on their own Children become independent 5. Middle Stage A couple renews their relationship and prepares for retirement Time and money for special interest Empty Nest Stage- all children have left the home 6. Retirement Stage The couple stops full-time work and adjust to more free time Life may be slower paced but the couples still enjoy each others company.

Trends Affecting Families All families are affected by trends in the society around them. Trends may support families or put additional pressure on them.

Trends Affecting Families Mobility- moving from the community you were raised Aging Population- larger number of older people living. Intergenerational- occurring between older and younger age groups. Economic Changes- smaller families, two incomes Workplace Changes- layoffs, moving, working at home Technology- increase efficiency at home vs. isolation

Family Under Stress Family Doctor / Local Hospital Counselor Social Worker Religious Leader Family Service Agencies

Spending Time Together How does spending time together help to build strong families?

Family Values Value- a belief about what is important Name one value that a family may share.

Handle Family Conflicts When families resolve their conflicts successfully, the family becomes stronger. Tips for handling conflicts: Keep cool Be an active listener Use positive body language How would you rate your family’s conflict resolution skills? Which technique could you use to improve your own?