Living in Families

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Living in Families

• When you think of the word family, what comes to
  mind?
• Notes Definition Family- Is a group of two or
  more people who usually care about each other and
  are committed to each other.
• Why is a family so important for a childs
  healthy development?

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• A family is every childs first connection to the
  world. A strong family foundation if one of the
  best gifts for a child. The family should provide
  an environment for a child to love and be loved
  in.
• Can you identify some different types of
  families?

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Family

• Open Faced Sandwich Family
• Consists of parents having older children (often
  with their own children) move back in with them.
  Usually done for economic reasons.
• Is a return to the traditional extended family
• Advantages? Disadvantages?
• TV family?

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More definitions

• 1) The Nuclear Family
• Is a family group with two generations- a father
  and mother and at least one child-sharing the
  same household.
• There are many variations in a nuclear family.
  Often we see parents who have chosen adoption as
  an option.

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Adoption

• The legal process in which people obtain the
  permanent right to raise a child who is not
  biologically their own.
• Today the emphasis on adoption is on finding good
  homes for children who need them. Matching
  characteristics such as race, religion, etc., is
  no longer considered especially important as it
  once was.

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Another option

• Foster child a child whose parents or other
  close family members are unable to care for him
  or her.
• Foster parents assume temporary legal
  responsibility for the child.

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The Extended family-

• Is a group that includes relatives other than
  parents and children within a single household.
• For example a woman raises her grandsons, an
  elderly man lives with his daughter, son-in law,
  and his granddaughter.

8
The Single-Parent Family-

• Is a family group that consists of one parent and
  one or more children sharing a household. ( The
  parent in this type of family may be either a
  mother or a father).
• What challenges do single parent families
  experience?

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Some challenges for single-parent families

• Greater share of responsibility
• Economic challenges.
• No spouse to share challenges/joys with.
• Little free time, leading to more stressors.

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Finally, The Blended Family

• Is a family group that consists of a married
  couple and at least one child from a parents
  previous relationship.
• Accommodations and compromises may be necessary
  on many different levels.

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The Family Life Cycle
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Family Life Cycle

• There are many differences between families but
  there are many similarities too.
• Each family group goes through the family life
  cycle
• Family Life Cycle is a series of stages which
  occur in a predictable order
• The timing and duration of each stage may vary
  widely from family to family

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Stages of the Family Life Cycle

• Beginning Stage A couple works to establish a
  home and a marriage relationship
• Parental Stage 1 Childbearing Stage The couple
  prepares and adjusts to parenthood
• Parental Stage 2 Child-rearing Stage As
  children grow, the parents work to meet their
  childrens changing needs and help them develop
  independence

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Stages

• Parental Stage Three Launching Stage Children
  gradually leave home to support themselves.
  Parents help their children adapt to life on
  their own.
• Middle Age Stage Empty-Nest Stage After the
  last child has left home, the couple renews their
  relationship and adjusts to the change in their
  parenting role

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Stages

• Retirement Stage The couple adjusts to the
  aging process. They may develop new interests or
  renew old ones.

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Variations in the Family Life Cycle

• Any of the following situations may change the
  pattern of the family life cycle or the
  characteristics of each stage.
• Single adulthood
• Single parenthood
• Divorce
• Remarriage
• Couples without children
• Adult children who move back in with parents

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Functions of Families

• The purpose of a family is to work together in
  order to provide members with all of their basic
  needs.
• a) What 3 basic needs should be met?
• -food/water
• -shelter
• -clothes

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• b) What are some other important family needs?
• -caring for the sick / finding ways to be
  healthy
• -safety (looking out for each other)
• -emotional love, support and cooperation
• -positive social interaction with each other
  and friends
• -the ability to learn from each other 

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• c) How do adults pass on important values to
  their children/family?
• -through example treating others with
  respect show children how to behave
• -through communication talking things out
• -some family have religious values that help
  children learn right from wrong or about other
  traditions

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• Discussion question
• Adults need to explain and demonstrate
  acceptable behaviour such as what is appropriate
  in certain situations . . .
• How should children speak to and treat adults?

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Trends Affecting Family Systems

• Social Trends as more women become active in
  the work force, society faces a growing need for
  facilities and individuals that provide quality
  child care.
• Rising population of older citizens
• Changing family roles
• Mobility
• Family Values

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Ways Families can be Strengthened

• Commitment a promise of loyalty to the family
  unit polite and respectful behavior towards each
  other.
• Time Together plan time to spend together
  changes as members change and grow
• Communication show interest and involvement by
  talking and listening to each other

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Ways to Strengthen Family

• Appreciation speak and act affectionately
  towards each other members are appreciated for
  who he or she is take opportunities to praise
  other family members
• Shared Beliefs share a clear set of beliefs and
  traditions provide a essential frame of
  reference for making decisions
• Coping skills families confronting difficulties
  openly recognize issue and deal with them

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What are some sources of support for families?

• 1)      Other extend family relatives
• 2)      Other families
• 3)      Sympathetic friends
• 4)      Co-workers
• 5)      Heath professionals ex. doctors
• 6)      Community workers/members
• 7)      Social Workers
• 8)      Counsellors
• 9)      Religious advisers
• 10)  Local family services agencies
• By using one or more of these sources of support,
  parents can help strengthen family relationships
  and help relive any stress.