Family Forms Journal “The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.” Thomas Jefferson What have been the happiest memories with your family?

Write down your definition of the stereotypical family. Working dad Stay-at-home mom 2 or 3 children Only 10% of all households are in this family form.

Does a person have to be biologically related to be part of a family? Who would you like to know more about What is a tradition? How are traditions formed? What new traditions might you want to introduce into your family?

Families

Millions of Kids Family Type Number of Children Children living in blended families, including either a step-parent or step-sibling. Children living with both natural parents and full brothers or sisters. Children living in extended families including other people such as uncles, cousins, aunts or grandparents. Children living in one-parent (MOM only) families. Children living in one-parent (DAD only) families. 8 million 3.6 million 7 million 17 million 42 million 2006 statistics

Question Set #1 Were you surprised by the numbers of each family type? How does it make you feel? What type of family do you want to have? In what year what this statistic taken? Do you think the numbers have changed?

The Importance of Families Family – a group of 2 or more people who care about each other and are committed to each other. A family is a group of people who live together under one roof, they do not have to be biologically related, but should share common goals. A family is a child’s 1st connection to the the world. It provides a safe environment and a sense of belonging.

Types of Families Nuclear – a group of 2 or more generations. Father, mother, & at least 1 child Extended – a group that includes relatives other than parents and children within a single household. Cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. Single-parent – a group that consists of 1 parent and 1 or more children. Blended – a group that consists of a married couple and at least 1 child from a parent’s previous relationship. Step-brothers/sisters or half-brothers/sisters

Types of Families Adoption – legal process in which people obtain the permanent right to raise a child who is not biologically their own. Foster child – a child whose parents or other close family members are unable to care for him or her.

The Family Life Cycle A series of stages in a predictable order. The timing and duration of these stages may wary widely from family to family. Beginning Stage Childbearing Stage Child-Rearing Stage Launching Stage Empty-Nest Stage Retirement Stage

Beginning Stage A couple works to establish a home and a marriage relationship.

Childbearing Stage The couple prepares and adjusts to parenthood.

Child-Rearing Stage As children grow, the parents work to meet their children’s changing needs and help them develop independence.

Launching Stage Children gradually leave home to support themselves. Parents help their children adapt to life on their own.

Empty-Nest Stage After the last child has left home, the couple renews their relationship and adjusts to the change in their parenting role.

Retirement Stage The couple adjusts to the aging process. They may develop new interests or renew old ones.

Strengthening Families Commitment A pledge or promise of loyalty. Reflected through polite and respectful behaviors, friendly support and consideration. Time Together Should not be limited to recreation and entertainment. Communication Family members can be encouraged to recognize, express, and react to a full range of emotions. Appreciation Each family member is appreciated for who he or she is, not for what they look like or does. Shared Beliefs Rituals and traditions that further unite family members. Coping Skills Techniques that help people solve a problem or adapt to a situation. Everyone contributes to talking and solving problems

Question Set #2 What is the difference between heredity and environment? What is the difference between and extended family and a blended family? If grandparents live with you, what type of family is that called? How is adoption different from foster care? List the stages in the Family Life Cycle. Give a short description of each. How can a situation change the pattern of the family life cycle? List 1 way to strengthen a family. What is another way is not listed of the previous slide?

Question Set # 3 Scenarios Your marriage is headed for divorce. How would you settle property, child custody, divorce costs? You are a single mother. How will you cope emotionally and financially? Elderly parents need to move in with you. What conflicts and adjustments will arise? You just remarried. How will family discipline be handled? How will household chores be divided? What name do you expect the children to call you? Where should you live? How should you divide physical space?

Family Tree 133 points

Family Tree – Part 1 (15 points – 1 day) Students should prepare a prezi or powerpoint that includes the following information. Step 1: Brainstorm about what family members you would like to interview. Step 2: Come up with questions for the interviews. Questions for interview should also include family tradition questions. Questions should be of a general sort, non- invasive, but inquiring about ancestry, childhood memories, and family traditions. Students can work together on the list of questions to be asked. Include evidence

Family Tree – Part 2 (15 points – 2 days) Using a web-based program, or family records, research ancestors you should try to go back four-generations. 1. you & sibling, 2. parents 3. grandparents 4. great grandparents. Look for/Include: birth dates, death dates and places of birth. This can be accomplished by finding an ancestor who is listed on http://www.familysearch.org and also by interviewing parents, etc. You will need to have a list of ancestors to search and find on the various genealogy websites. A Google search of an ancestor’s name can also bring up a listing of ancestors. Include evidence

Family Tree – Part 3 (15 points – Outside of class time) Interview. Prepare for interview by setting up an appointment to visit with the ancestor about questions that they have, inquiring about family member’s life history, including health history, and information that they can remember hearing about from their ancestors. You should be writing, recording, and also conclude the interview with a picture session with ancestor(s.) Include evidence of above.

Family Tree – Part 4 (28 points – 3 days) Prepare a family tree. This tree should include at least four generations with you being the most recent. Include birth dates, death dates and places of birth on the tree. Information for the tree should be gained from interviews from family members and web-based research.

Family Tree – Part 5 (60 points – Outside of class time and 4 days in class.) 1. After interview has concluded, you should write a half page typed paper on how your ancestor has influenced your lifestyle, behaviors, and traditions, how you will one day incorporate those into your own family and how this project has helped to discover “Why I Am Who I Am.” 2. Prepare essays on Three family stories.(3 essays- half to full page on each) These stories should show the unique importance of your family. The stories should be from different generations(1 from each) but can be from people who are not included on their tree. Each story should contain a reference of where the information was gained.

Family Tree- Part 6() Oral Presentation

Considerations of parenthood

Changes Raising a child is more than just a day-to-day assignment. It’s a lifelong commitment. Being a parent means having a constant concern for the present and future welfare of another human being. You can no longer consider your own wants and needs when making a decision.

Changes Caring for a child takes a surprising amount of time A newborn must be fed every few hours around the clock, in addition to be being changed, bathed, played with, and comforted.

Emotional Adjustments Going through so many changes at once is stressful. Most new parents are happy, proud, and excited. However, most also experience a variety of more difficult and confusing feelings. Common reactions include: Anxiety Fear Frustration Loneliness Doubts Worry Jealousy Depression

Relationship Changes It is a unique experience of getting to know a new family member. You may experience changes in the way you interact with other family members and friends. It can put a strain on a relationship and tempers may flare. Money problems can be another source of conflict. A good support system is essential. Less time to spend with friends. It can also bring you closer to your own parents, because for the 1st time you truly understand what being a parent is like. A new baby may also cause jealousy or misbehavior if there are other kids already in the family.

Decision About Parenthood Those who are thinking about parenthood should get as clear a picture of it as possible before making a decision. They should also take a realistic look at themselves. Thinking about these 5 things can help decide: Emotional Maturity Desire for Parenthood Health Management Skills Financial Considerations

Emotional Maturity Are you responsible enough to put someone else’s needs before your own? Are you able to devote your full attention to an infant without expecting to receive attention return? Can you hold your temper when you find that a toddler has done something bad? Are your expectations of parenthood realistic? Are you equipped to handle the pressures and responsibilities involved? Age is no guarantee of emotional maturity. Although people are usually better able to to handle situations better as they grow older.

Desire for Parenthood “Do I really want to be a parent?” this question can be difficult to answer. Just as important, and often just as difficult, is this question: “Why do I want a child now?” Bad Reasons Good Reasons The marriage is in trouble, maybe this will solve the problem. A child will add depth to a relationship, that is already strong. A baby is someone who will love me and belong to me I want to give a baby my care and love. I feel like I’m nobody. Being a parent will make me a somebody I feel good about myself. Parenting will be meaningful and rewarding. I want someone who will take care of me when I get old I want to experience a special bond that lasts a lifetime. My parents want grandchildren. I love children and want to be a parent.

Health If there is a medical problem it could affect the baby and their ability to care for the child. The age of the prospective mother should also be considered. If she is under 16 or over 35, pregnancy is riskier.

Management Skills Parents must evaluate their family’s needs and wants, decide on the family goals, find resources they can use.

Financial Considerations You should take a careful look at the costs involved over the years ahead.