1. Understanding Families
Chapter Fourteen
Understanding Families
© 2016 Taylor & Francis

2. 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

3. 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
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4. Family Subsystems Marital partner subsystem Parental subsystem
Sibling subsystem
Extra-familial subsystem
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5. Family Functions Economic needs Daily care needs Socialization needs
Recreational needs
Self-definition needs
Affection needs
Educational/vocational needs
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6. 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

7. 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
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8. 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