Role of Families Family Forms Nuclear Family a

Role of Families

Family Forms � Nuclear Family: a husband, wife, and their children � Extended Family: a family group consisting of parents, children, and other close relatives � Blended Family: husband & wife, at least one of whom has at least one child from a previous relationship � Single-Parent Family: one parent with at least one child � Adoptive Family: one or more children not born into a family are made permanent members of that family by law � Foster Family: a couple or an individual assumes responsibility for the care of a child for an indefinite period of time � Couple: a married couple without children

Trends Affecting Families �Birth rate �Women in the workplace �Increasing lifespan �Mobility �Divorce

Function of Families �Nurture: to promote development in all areas �Meeting physical needs Food, clothing, shelter �Promoting emotional growth Love, acceptance �Shaping social development Sharing and communicating

Aiding Intellectual Growth �Parents, adults, and siblings all help each other learn �Individuals and society both benefit when people have a healthy sense of right and wrong �Morals are taught directly and indirectly

Strengthening Families �What creates strength? Respect Trust Emotional support � Words and actions that reassure others and share personal feelings Communication Sharing � Goals � With older relatives � Traditions � Spending time together

Finding Time for Families �Multiple Roles �Management Set priorities Allow for variations Be realistic Seek and give cooperation with other family members Plan together how time will be spent Learn to manage stress �Support Systems Network of groups and individuals that a family can turn to for help