Families Chapter 5

Healthy Families Lasting relationships must be based on mutual caring, trust, and support. If the relationships with family members are healthy, a child learns: 1. to love 2. to respect 3. to get along with others & function as part of a group

Modern Effects & Changes on the Family More women in the work force are causing families to spend less time together.. Some Effects are: 1. Parents have to trust other people to care for their children.. 2. Divorce affects a family’s structure, finances, and health—emotional and physical.

4 Sources of Family Stress 1. Illness 2. Financial Problems 3. Divorce 4. Drug Abuse

Family violence Definition: The heart of the problem is one person’s desire to have power or control over others. Physical Emotional Sexual Physical: is intentionally causing physical harm to another person. EX: When an adult punishes a child and leaves a mark that can be seen the next day, this act is considered physical abuse. Emotional: is the nonphysical mistreatment of a person. EX: A child who constantly hears negative statements like these is likely to suffer from emotional abuse Sexual Abuse: When an adult uses a child or adolescent for sexual purposes.

4 Skills for Healthy Families Communication Empathy Cooperation Caring and Commitment

Ways to Resolve Conflict 1. Families often use decision-making skills to resolve conflicts. By using decision-making skills, you can avoid an argument. 2. Good communication skills are key to conflict resolution. When trying to resolve conflicts, family members need to talk openly, honestly, and lovingly.

Family Agency Services Some agencies offer counseling for families Others may offer parenting classes. Mental-health agencies help meet the needs of people with mental disorders. Child-welfare agencies offer services for the protection of children.

Whether you have grown up in a strong family or not, it is possible to have a strong and healthy family of your own. If your present family is a good model to follow, transfer those strengths to your new family. If not, rather than blame others, yourself, or circumstances, take responsibility for making your future family the kind of family that nurtures and loves its members. If doesn’t just happen by accident.. It takes effort and determination; but it’s worth it. Investing in your family is the best investment in the future you can make.

Summary: Despite the media attention focused on the down side of family life, families are considered the foundation of our nation. We have a great many families that consider their family’s health strong and growing. To be a strong nation we must build strong families. This takes know how, determination, desire, and hard work. So start working to build your family’s strength.