Families

Families come in many forms:Each form has advantages and disadvantages or concerns, the

following are just a few

Nuclear

• Includes a mother, father, and one or more children

Advantages of Nuclear Family

• Two parents to share in the childrearing and household chores

• There are Male and Females role models for the children to learn from

Disadvantages of Nuclear

• Parents need to agree on the childrearing and disciplining of the children

Single-Parent Family

• Includes one parent and one or more children

• Most single-parent homes are led by mothers

• But Single-parent homes led by fathers is a growing structure in our country

Advantages of Single-Parent Families

• Parents can be independent of other adults

• Do not have to agree with anyone on child rearing

Disadvantages of Single-Parent Families

• Only one parent to be responsible for child rearing and household chores

• Only one sex role model for the children

• One income household

Extended Family

• Includes relatives in addition to mother, father, and children; for example, grandparents or aunts and uncles

Advantages of an Extended Family

• More adults to share with the childrearing and household chores

• More adult role models

• More financial support to the household

Disadvantages of the Extended Family

• Living space may have to be shared by the family members, such as bedrooms

• Members of different generations may not agree on childrearing

Blended Family

• Includes parents with children from former marriages and relationships

Advantages of Blended Families

• Two parents to share with the childrearing and household chores

• There are a Male and Female role model for the children

Disadvantages of the Blended Family

• Family must adjust to new family rules and expectations

• Member may have to share space

Adoptive Family

• Includes at least one child who is not the biological child of the parents but who is legally adopted

Advantages of Adoption

• Provides a home for a child who needs parents and a child for adults who want them

Disadvantages or Concerns of Adoption

• It is a legal process that may take a lot of time and money

• Child may have physical or emotional problems

Foster Family

• Includes at least one child that is not the biological child of the parents but is cared for by the family for a period of time

Advantages

• Provides a home for a child

Disadvantages or Concerns

• Child may have physical or emotional problems

• It is a temporary arrangement and members may become attached to each other

Childless Family

• A couple without children

Advantages

• Freedom of lifestyle

• Free to travel and have demanding careers

Disadvantages

• May be lonely and need care in their aging years

• No one to carry on the family name or inheritance

Single Family

• Adults that live alone or with roommates

Advantages

• Free to have lifestyle of their choosing

Disadvantages of Single Living

• May need assistance in the aging years

• May be lonely

The Family Life cycle

• A family goes through a series of six stages called the family life cycle.

Beginning Stage

• A couple comes together to establish and home and marriage relationship.

Expanding Stage

• The couple has a child and adjusts to parenthood.

Developing Stage

• As children grow parents work to meet their needs.

Launching Stage

• Children leave home to support themselves.

Empty Nest

• All children have left the home and couple prepares for retirement.

Retirement

• The couple stops full time employment and adjusts to having more free time.

Functions of a Healthy Family

• Things a healthy family system provides for each member

Provisional

• Parents provide children with basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter

Socialization

• Teaching children to conform to social standards

Recreational

• Families involve children in activities for fun and self-development

Therapeutic

• Families listen to problems and give emotional support

Kinship

• Families give a child a sense of belonging, expressing ethnic and religious traditions

Concerns Facing Families Today

• Each family is faced with special challenges and concerns in today’s society, these are just a few:

Latch Key Children

• School age children left alone for a short period of time after school until parents get home from work

Latchkey Children

• Should know how to answer the door and phone safely

• Should be able to prepare a simple snack, not using the stove

• Should have a relative or neighbor close by if emergency would occur, or child feels unsafe