Family Dynamics

What is a Family? Define Family: – An individual, or a group of people bonded by marriage, blood, or other means who have established a household. Define Home: – One’s physical residence that serves as a source of shared energy for family members. The family is the soul of the home.

Family Forms Adoptive Blended Couple Extended Legal Guardian Foster Nuclear Single-parent Single person

Functions of a Family Care giving Providing shelter, clothing and food Learning traditions Guidance Teaching language and social skills Providing stimulation Learning how to have fun, enjoy life Model positive parenting skills

Family Placement Activity Students who are: – The oldest child get in a group. – The youngest child get in a group. – The middle child get in a group. – The only child get in a group. Each group is to list the advantages and disadvantages of their birth order on the construction paper. Each group will present their findings.

Birth Order The order in which children are born into a family influences the development of the children. Oldest children bear the burden of the parents’ heaviest expectations and also of the parents’ inexperience in raising children. Second or third children are generally treated in a more relaxed way by the parents. Youngest children often have a more difficult time in making the transition to adulthood.

Oldest Child Usually set up as an example to the other children. Treated more like an adult by his/her parents. A high achiever. Given and accepts more responsibility than the other children. Usually college-bound. Independent. Affectionate.

Middle Child May work extra-hard to get recognition. Is usually a peacemaker. Is somewhat average in schoolwork, but is an all-around good student. Is usually a calm, even- tempered adult.

Youngest Child Gets a lot of attention, along with a lot of bossing. May be spoiled. Usually matures quickly. May be undisciplined and irresponsible. Is easy-going about school. Likes to associate with someone who takes charge of situations.

Toothpaste Activity Student draws a line on the black paper with the toothpaste for every degrading thing I say and a circle for every positive comment. Give the paper to another students. Have this student put the toothpaste back into the tube of toothpaste. Once we have said something, we can never take the words back – they have left their mark!

Sibling Rivalry Competition among children of the same family for their parents’ affections or for dominance. It can occur at any age, even into adult life. Next to the parent-child relationship, the sibling relationship is probably the strongest.

Changes in a Family Lifestyle Women have joined the paid labor force in great numbers. Couples postpone marriages until they are older and more established in careers, etc. Single-parent families have become common. The divorce rate has been as high as 50%. Women are not as likely to desire large families.

Changes in a Family What year do you think it is? The family has been through dramatic changes in the past century, more than in any previous human history.

Changes in a Family Lifestyle Stereotypical roles for men and women have changed. Teenage girls are having more babies. One-fifth of young American children are raised in poverty. The rate of child abuse and neglect has risen.

Family Changes…Concern to You? Which of theses changes worries you the most? Which of these changes have you seen in your own family? Even though there are many changes and challenges for the American family, there are still many strong, functional families.

Benefits of a Strong Family What do you think of this quote: “A nation is only as strong as its families” So what are the benefits to a strong family? Supports each other emotionally, physically, and financially. Provide training in values, work ethic and responsibility. Provide companionship and friendship.

Benefits of a Strong Family Provide role models for positive, responsible behaviors. Help distressed family members cope with problems and emotional hard times. Help counsel with practical advise based on life’s experiences.

Making Memories Little events or activities within families can have a dramatic impact on children and adults that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Little things, not necessarily expensive or time-consuming, make memories by the love they show. Share some of your “little memories” with the class.

Destroy Family Relationships Teens have a great deal of influence concerning the atmosphere in the home. What are some things you do that disrupt a happy home life?

Summary Families come in all shapes and sizes. There is not one that is better than the other. The family unit has seen much change over the past several years. Find ways to strengthen your family, because we are all interconnected.

Homework Family Fun Activity – You will need to do an activity with your family, as an entire family. You should try to find something that you all like to do. This does not have to be anything that cost money. Examples include: Family game night, making a meal together, going for a walk together…. You can do what you want, but it must involve interacting as a family. You will then write a ½ page reflection about what you did and how it went. What might you do differently for next time if things didn’t go well?