Family Structures

Nuclear Advantages Disadvantages 2 parents support one another Includes a mother and father and at least one child. Advantages 2 parents support one another Parents raise the children Possibly 2 incomes Disadvantages None http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSvGdfOfLFw

Extended Advantages Disadvantages Extra babysitters Includes all relatives in a family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Advantages Extra babysitters Gain knowledge from elders More people to divide household tasks among Disadvantages Additional authority figures More crowded Physical care of the elderly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fI_jdOrYPc

Includes one parent and one or more children. Single-Parent Includes one parent and one or more children. Advantages Only one authority figure Less parental conflict Disadvantages Demanding No one to share responsibilities with Stressful with possible lower income No second gender role model Possibly fewer hours with children http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuoh-5gmhU8

Blended Family Advantages Disadvantages “Instant” Family Includes married couple, each spouse’s children from previous relationships, and any children they may have together. Advantages “Instant” Family Opportunity to be around children Disadvantages The challenge of adjusting to others’ presence and their needs. “Sharing” parents and family resources Conflicting expectations of parents http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K738GQnRh20

Adopted Extended Advantages Disadvantages Parents and one or more children that are permanently and legally placed. Advantages Solution for couples who cannot have children Provides a home to children without parents Disadvantages Children may feel rejected by biological parents Short transition period to parenthood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t7-GY7ULnU These structures may be nuclear, single-parent, blended, or extended family structures.

A family unit that serves as a substitute family for a child. Foster A family unit that serves as a substitute family for a child. Advantages Temporary care while birth parents solve problems Foster families can help foster children with emotional problems Disadvantages Children may have emotional and legal issues from their birth families Instability in placements / frequent adjustments required. Competition with biological children and other foster children These structures may be nuclear, single-parent, blended, or extended family structures.