Family How would you define a family?

Family  A group of people who love and care for each other.

Family Patterns  Single  Couples  Nuclear Families  Single-Parent Families  Blended Families  Extended  Adoptive  Legal Guardians  Foster Families

Characteristics of a Strong Family Journal 2: What do you think makes for a strong family?

1. Communication  Family members need to exchange so much information, from coordinating schedules to sharing dreams and fears.  One common barrier to effective communication is television.  People communicate love unmistakably, both verbally and non-verbally.

2. Respect each other.  Family members realize that each person is different.  They take pride in individual traits and abilities.  Respect for others’ opinions requires sensitivity.  Everyone needs privacy.

3. Commitment  Commitment is a pledge to support something of value.  They are willing to work together and sacrifice for the benefit of the family unit.  They take genuine interest in the happiness and welfare of each family member.

4. Acting Responsibly  People learn to do the jobs that are expected of them, without reminders or pressure.  Family members care for each other and support each other.

5. Sharing Values and Beliefs  These may range from thoughts and about education and politics to relgious beliefs and social conditions.  A core of beliefs provides stability and a share outlook on life.

6. Spending Time Together  Strong families explore common interests and activities.  Sharing at least one leaisrue activity a week is a goal many strong families achieve.

Journal Part 3  How does your family demonstrate commitment?  How does your family show respect?  How does your family communicate with each other?  What kinds of responsibilities do each of your family members perform?  What are some shared values your family agrees upon?  What types of activities do you share with family members?

Stages of Family Development – stage based on youngest child  Couple – when two individuals meet and decide to be committed to each other. This stage can include marriage.  Expanding – when a child is born/adopted by a couple.  Developing – when children are enrolled in k-12 education

Stages (continued)  Launching – when children leave home to attend college or live on their own, children sometimes return home for short periods of time.  Middle Years – parents are still working outside home and have no children living at home  Retirement – parents no longer work and may have a change in living arrangements due to health issues

Stages of Family Development  Couple  Expanding Family  Developing  Launching  Middle years  Retirement  In groups of two to four, list at least three important events that can occur that shape relationships for each of the stages of development?

Case Study  Write a case study describing a detour for your stage of the family. Include the following pieces of info.: names and ages of individuals in family, family type, and a detailed description of detour.  Exchange your problem with another group. Provide a possible solution to the situation and two community resources that could help with situation.