FUNCTIONS OF A FAMILY Marriage and family

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO LEARN ABOUT FAMILY?  The more you learn about families, the more you realize why you are the way you are! Members of a family are connected; they help you who you are and/or what you want or need to be. As you grow you take what you have learned from your family and develop a sense of self. And understanding this will help you create better relationships in the larger world. Society- A group of people who have developed patterns of relationships from being around one another. Community- The common area where different people reside. Both society and community are made up of many families. Therefore families are vital to the health of our environment in which we live.

WHAT IS A FAMILY? They come in many sizes and combinations.  Can you tell me different types of families?  No matter what type of family you are a part of, each of you are extremely influenced by your family and they help shape who you are.  Family help define your values, beliefs, and behaviors.

A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO ARE RELATED TO EACH OTHER. U.S. Census Bureau says that a family is :  A group of two or more persons who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption and who are residing together.  Family members may be related by blood, marriage, or adoption. Categories of families  Family of origin- The family you are born into. Sometimes referred to as your family of orientation.  Family of procreation – The family that we create by getting married and/or having children.

FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY  A family unit, in some form, is found in every country of the world. However, all families vary in their structure.  In some countries:  A man may have more than one wife.  Several families may live together.  No matter where you live in this world, or what your family is like, all families perform similar functions.  A family’s responsibility is to find their strengths and build on them. Laws, education, and services help families become strong, but strong families need to give back to the community as well.  The strength of a family does not mean financially, but how well family members work together. It is measured by the amount of support that family members give each other.

FUNCTIONS CONTINUED…  Financial support  Protection  Guidance- teaching values, morals, beliefs and  Recreation  Shape your personality  Values- A person’s standards of behavior; what they believe is important in life.  Value system- Your set of values and the choices you make about how you spend your time, energy, and money (the reflection of your values.)

THE MAIN FUNCTION To provide for the physical needs of a family member.  Food  Clothing  Shelter  Abraham Maslow… Socialization  Children are taught the ways and customs of the society in which they live.  Acceptable forms of behavior  Show you love and how to love

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING All people need to feel loved and accepted.  They need to feel that they belong somewhere.  Family provides the security of having someone to turn to.  Emotional support is best provided by the members of a family.  Every family faces problems but the stronger the family the better they solve problems together.  Families solve problems through communication and respect.  Each member contributes by fulfilling their roles and responsibilities.  They help each other build positive self-concepts.  Family bond- a strong feeling or connection that unites a family, as others come and go, your family bond will always remain. Your parents need love just as much as you do!  Bottom line – Families create a Support system.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY  Families are the core unit of society; therefore strong families make strong communities.  Children raised in a loving family are more likely to become caring adults.  Children who learn peaceful conflict resolution will use those techniques to solve community problems.  Family members who fight may not learn problem solving skills.  An abused child is more likely to continue the cycle of violence.  Family tends to be cyclical.

FAMILIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  As a member of a family you have certain roles.  You are a daughter, son, niece, nephew, aunt, etc…  These are usually defined by the tasks you perform.  Chores: do you help cook? Launder? Clean? Babysit?  In each role you assume different responsibilities.  Lets think of some…  Roles may be exchanged between family members.  Take turns washing dishes and taking out the trash.  How might your roles change as you grow older??

LETS LOOK AT HOW YOU “FIT IN” How do you rate as a family member?  Lets think about the contributions that you make to your family- big and small.  Every family member contributes in some  For # 8 and 9. Use your best judgment.  #10. There is ALWAYS room for improvement!