1. Family Relationships Objective:
TSWBAT identify types of families, characteristics of healthy families, factors of dysfunctional families and how to improve family relationships.

2. Families

3. Types of Families Nuclear family – two parents + one or more children
Single-parent family – one parent + one or more children
Blended family – married couple + children from previous marriages or relationships
Extended family – includes additional relatives
Adoptive family – one or two parents with one or more adoptive children (can have biological children too)
Foster family – temporary placement of children in a home of adults who are not related

4. Your family and your health
Physical health – providing medical care, setting limits on behavior, teaching health skills
Mental and emotional health – safe environment for you to share and express your emotions, love and support, value and affirmation
Social health – communication, cooperation, values, cultural heritage

5. Families Ideal Family – Dysfunctional Family – Family Continuum –
Has the skills needed for loving, responsible, supportive and productive relationships
Dysfunctional Family –
Lacks skills to be successful and function in healthy ways
Does not meet the needs of the family members
Family Continuum –
All families fall somewhere between ideal and dysfunctional on the family continuum

6. Characteristics/Behaviors of Strong Families
Good communication
Caring and support
Respect
Commitment
Trust

7. ACT Action Commitment Time
Choose actions that promote healthy family relationships
Commitment
Make a promise to be a loving family member
Time
Spend time with your family

8. Causes of Dysfunctional Families:
Chemical Dependence
Drugs and alcohol addiction
Dysfunctional family was first studied in families in which there was alcoholism
Other Addictions
Eating disorders, workaholics, gambling, etc.
Violence (Domestic violence)
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse (verbal abuse)
Sexual abuse

9. Causes con’t Neglect/Abandonment Mental Disorders Family Changes
Failure to provide proper care and guidance
Removes oneself from whose care is one’s responsibility
Mental Disorders
Mental or emotional condition that makes it difficult for a person to live in a normal way
Family Changes
Separation, divorce, blended/step families, tragedies, stress, etc.

10. How to improve dysfunctional family relationships: Sources of support
Family counseling services
Support groups
Community services (shelters or hotlines)
Law enforcement
Hospitals or clinics
Faith communities
Schools services (nurse, guidance counselor)