Chapter 3 Families Today

In what ways do family relationships affect children? Essential Question In what ways do family relationships affect children? Andresr/Shutterstock.com

Healthy Family Development 3.1

Objectives After studying this lesson, you will be able to analyze factors couples should consider when preparing for marriage. assess changes that take place during the family life cycle. describe ways that culture influences the family. compare past and present societal influences on families. determine characteristics of healthy families.

What Do You Think? Why is it important for couples to build a healthy foundation? michaeljung/Shutterstock.com

Are You Ready to Get Married? Why do I want to get married? When do I want to get married? What qualities would each partner bring to a marriage? Do we have similar life goals and values?

Communicating Effectively Nonverbal communication—sending or receiving messages without words (such as through body language) Verbal communication—the words used to deliver and receive messages Active listening—the receiver sends feedback to the sender that the message is understood

The Family Life Cycle Beginning stage—family of two get to know one another and decide about children Childbearing stage—birth children and learn role in guiding children Parenting stage—focus on guiding and nurturing children; treat children more as adults during adolescence (Continued)

The Family Life Cycle Launching stage—children start to leave home; parent-child relationship becomes more equal Mid-years stage—parents may have more time for hobbies; may become grandparents and focus on retirement Aging stage—parents continue to develop new hobbies and enjoy family and friends; health issues may limit activities

Aspects of Culture History, folklore, heroes Language Humor Names Holiday celebrations, traditions, and rituals Methods of greeting Preferences about personal space and touching Foods, eating methods, manners Dress and body decorations Home furnishings, decorations Art and music

Group-Oriented Culture Family includes kin and maybe others; tend to live close or together. Status is related to age and gender. Members conform to those in authority, cooperate, and emphasize harmony. Group dependency is important, and bonds are strong. Members express emotion indirectly.

Individual-Oriented Culture Family includes parents and children; may live far away from one another. Individual welfare is crucial to decision making. Members take pride in achievements and accomplishments; may challenge authority. Early independence is encouraged.

What Do You Think? Do you think institutions in the U.S. operate under a group orientation or an individual orientation? How could society be more supportive of both orientations? India Picture/Shutterstock.com

Multicultural Families A multicultural family includes members from two or more cultural groups. Challenges can occur because of communication differences among cultures differing cultural expectations differing traditions differing views toward family life expressions of bias

Characteristics of Healthy Families Marriage built and directed by shared values Acceptance of family members’ differences Expectation that family values and structure will change Willingness to adjust Mutual commitment to family life Others-centeredness, not self-centeredness Sharing of responsibilities Honesty and dependability

Family Types 3.2

Objectives After studying this lesson, you will be able to identify various types of family structures. analyze the main rewards of living in different types of families. evaluate the main challenges of living in different types of families. compare and contrast different types of adoptions.

Did You Know? All family types have both advantages and disadvantages. What are some advantages and disadvantages of one family type? Blend Images/Shutterstock.com

Nuclear Families Nuclear family—a father, a mother, and their biological child or children who live together Disadvantages Relatives do not live in the home to provide additional support. Parents may not have a positive relationship. Advantages Needs are more easily met through cooperation. Children see spouses relate and share responsibilities.

Single-Parent Families Single-parent family—a family with children headed by one adult Disadvantages Families may experience financial concerns. Families may experience emotional concerns. Advantages Children may have greater independence. Joint-custody arrangements may allow for involvement of both parents.

Extended Families Extended family—more than two generations of a family living together Disadvantages Many people living in one space can cause stress. Needs of the group may outweigh the needs of any one individual. Advantages Family history is passed along. Caregiving and support can be provided within the family.

Stepfamilies Stepfamilies—formed when a single parent marries another person Disadvantages Families face adjustment challenges. Advantages Families can have many good relationships. Families in which children of both spouses all live together are called blended families.

Adoption Adoption—when a child of one pair of parents legally becomes the child of another parent or parents Closed adoption—the identity of the birthparents and adopting family are not revealed Open adoption—some degree of communication between adopting family and birthparents

Families with Adopted Children Families with adopted children—formed when a parent or parents adopt a child Disadvantages Parents must adjust to new role quickly. Children may miss or want to know about their birthparents. Advantages Adopting families generally want and love their children very much.

Foster Families Foster families—families in which adults provide temporary homes for children who cannot live with their birthparents Disadvantages Children must face problems from life with birthparents. Children may grieve being separated from birthparents. Advantages Foster families provide a stable, secure environment.

Did You Know? A guardian is someone legally appointed to take responsibility for a child in the death or extended absence of the birthparents. What would be advantages and disadvantages to living with a guardian? Rob Marmion/Shutterstock.com

Families with Grandparents as Head of Household Families with grandparents as head of household—families with children headed by grandparents Disadvantages Grandparents may have trouble physically and financially caring for children. Grandparents may be grieving or experience anxiety. Advantages Grandparents typically have excellent parenting skills. Grandchildren respond positively to grandparents.

Did You Know? Grandparents often do not have legal guardianship of their grandchildren. What challenges does this present to families with grandparents as head of household? Dubova/Shutterstock.com