1. Family Life
Mr. M. 7th grade Health

2. We are a family… Everyone belongs to a family
Family - a group of people who are related by blood, adoption, marriage, or have a desire for mutual support

3. Family Structures can Vary
Traditional married families
Single parent families
Families built around partnerships
Extended families (Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.)
Foster families
Temporary situations

4. Extended Family
All relatives in addition to parents, brothers, and sisters
Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins
Stepparents, stepbrothers, and stepsisters

5. Functional Vs. Dysfunctional
Healthful family: family that has all the skills needed for loving, responsible relationships
Dysfunctional family: a family that lacks the skills to be successful and function in healthful ways

6. No Family Is Perfect We all make mistakes
All have strengths and weaknesses
However, in Healthful Families, children can learn from their parents/guardians.
What can you do? What can you learn?

7. A Healthy Family Self Respecting Behavior
Treating yourself in a healthful and responsible way
No harm to oneself and cares for others (Not being self-centered)

8. Clear Sense of Values
Values - standards, principles, or beliefs of an individual.
Do parents/guardians act consistent with the values they teach?
Examples? Good? Bad?

9. Responsible Decision Making
Parents/Guardians set guidelines, expectations, and consequences
Evaluate options before your decision and weight the consequences.

10. Effective Communication
Who can you rely on?
Can you talk to a parent/guardian?
Communication skills can be learned through parents and family.
Are you an active listener? Do you have empathy for the person speaking?

11. Dysfunctional Family Characteristics
Chemical Dependency
Addictions
Perfectionism
Violence
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Neglect
Sexual Abuse
Abandonment
Mental Disorders
Members relate to each other in destructive and irresponsible ways

12. Chemical Dependency Obtaining and using drugs
Abusing prescription drugs
Causes changes in thinking and behavior
Increase in violence
Increase in abuse
Child is at risk of drug abuse

13. Other Addictions/Disorders
Eating Disorders
Exercise
Gambling
Shopping
Television
Workaholic
Perfectionism

14. Violence Controlling Keep peace by avoiding disagreements
Often times, between violent acts family member is kind, gentle, and apologetic (It can be a cycle.)
Children can often blame themselves.
At risk of becoming juvenile offenders

15. Abandonment
Absence of parent/guardian can cause pain, suffering, and confusion
Can cause difficulty in future getting close to people.
Push others away
Or become overly needy

16. Effective Communication Part II
Treat others with love and respect
Find changes in your own behavior
Therapy (Individual and Group)
Recovery Programs
TELL SOMEONE!!
Someone you trust
Someone that can do something to help
What are your resources for help?

17. Empathy Every individual is different
You never know what is going at home.
Be sensitive to others
Be alert
TALK TO YOUR FAMILY!!