LIVING IN FAMILIES

Adapted from Chapter 2“The Developing Child” 7th Edition

WHAT IS A FAMILY?

WHAT IS A FAMILY? A group of 2 or more people who care

about each other and are committed to each other

TYPES OF FAMILIES Nuclear

Extended

Single-Parent

Blended

NUCLEAR FAMILY A family group with two generations –

mother, father and children – sharing the same household

Some included adopted and foster children Adoption is the legal process in which

people obtain the permanent right to raise a child who is not biologically theirs

Foster children are those whose parents or other close family members are unable to care for him or her

THE EXTENDED FAMILY A family group that includes relatives

other than parents and children within a single household

Examples include: Grandparents raising grandchildren Grandparents living with children and

grandchildren

SINGLE – PARENT FAMILY A family group that consists of one

parents and one+ children sharing a household

Single parenting puts great demands on parent unless there is a support system in place

BLENDED FAMILY A family group that consists of a married

couple and at least one child from a parent’s previous relationship

Also called a “step-family”

EXAMPLES FROM POP CULTURE Nuclear Blended

EXAMPLES FROM POP CULTURE Single Parent Extended

FAMILY LIFE CYCLE A series of stages in a predictable order

FAMILY LIFE CYCLE Beginning

Stage

Childbearing Stage

Child – Rearing Stage

Launching Stage

Empty – Nest Stage

Retirement Stage

FAMILY LIFE CYCLE Beginning stage

Couple works to establish a home and marriage

Childbearing stage Prepares and adjusts

to parenthood Child-rearing stage

As children grow, parents work to meet their children’s changing needs and help them develop

Launching stage Children gradually

leave home and support themselves

Empty-nest stage After the last child

leaves home, the couple adjusts to life without rearing children

Retirement stage Couple adjusts to

aging process

FAMILY LIFE CYCLE Variations

Single adulthoodSingle parenthood DivorceRemarriageCouples without children Adult children who move back in with

parents

TRENDS AFFECTING FAMILIES Changing Family Roles

Less clearly defined now Increasing numbers of families are headed

by single parents or by two employed parents

Mobile Society Individuals and families move often Causes families to lack close, supportive

connections with friends and relatives Awareness of Family Values

Many believe in government supporting and encouraging families

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES Commitment

A pledge or promise of loyalty

Time together Doing various

activities Communication

Open communication is essential to a strong family system

Appreciation Affirm each other Each family member is

appreciated for who they are

Shared beliefs Usually based on the

teachings and practice of an organized religion

Coping skills Techniques that help

people solve a problem or adapt to a situation

WHAT IS A PARENT? Caretaker of the

offspring of their own species. Biological parent: sire

of child; shares DNA Adoptive parent: one

who nurtures and raises the offspring of the biological parents but is not actually biologically related to the child

A parent changes roles throughout the years During childhood, a

parent is the caretaker and supporter of child

During teen/early adulthood, parents become advisers and mentors

During mid adulthood, parents are friends and confidants

During the parents elderly years, they become dependant on their children, and roles are reversed.

ARE YOU READY TO BE A PARENT? New responsibilities

Life long commitment Will need to manage time, money, energy,

knowledge, and skills Changes in lifestyle

Parents have limited personal freedom Emotional Adjustments

Anxiety Fear Frustration Doubts Financial worry

ARE YOU READY TO BE A PARENT? Changes in relationships

Take new feelings out on spouse May feel there is less in common with

friendsStrained relationships with extended family

due to “advice” May feel closer to own parents

Emotional maturity Putting baby’s needs above your own

Desire for parenthood Health considerations

ARE YOU READY TO BE A PARENT? Management skills

What are the family’s needs and wants?What are the family’s goals?

Financial considerationsWhat are the family’s expenses? Can a child be added into the budget?

WHY PARENT? Unsound reasons

Our marriage is in trouble. A baby will solve our problems

A baby is someone who will love me and belong to me

I feel like I’m nobody. Being a parent will make me feel like somebody

Sound reasons Having children will

add depth to our relationship

I want to give a baby my care and love

I feel good about myself. Parenthood will be a meaningful and rewarding experience

WHY PARENT? Unsound reasons

I want someone who will take care of me when I am old

Our parents want

grandchildren

Sound reasons I want to

experience the special bond between parent and child that lasts a lifetime

I love children and I want to be a parent

EXIT SLIP Why is it important to make decisions

about parenthood before pregnancy begins?

What effects do you think an unplanned pregnancy can have on a married couple?