Familial Relationships

Qualities of Strong Families Communicate Effectively Offer affirmation: provide positive input that helps others to feel appreciated and supported Respect one another Show unity Demonstrate commitment (a pledge to support something of value)

Trust each other Share Values and Beliefs Act responsibly Work through problems as a team Spend time together Establish traditions (customs that are followed over time and often passed form one generation to another)

Getting Along in Families The family system is comprised of family members, with their particular roles and responsibilities. Every aspect is interconnected.

Relating to Parents Try to understand them. –Parents’ concerns: Making a living Providing for you The family situation Health The future YOU Talk to parents Respect limits and rules Remember, this relationship lasts forever!

Relating to Siblings These relationships tend to be the longest of all family ties and have a very special bond.

Sibling Rivalry & Managing Sibling Relationships Research shows that siblings do share one trait: they constantly compare how they are treated. This leads to comparisons. –Siblings look for signs of favoritism and feeling mistreated. Ways to manage sibling relationships. –Work on settling disagreements with siblings yourself. –Talk about your feelings. –Look for your own strengths—do not compare. –Avoid serious conflict.

Birth Order Some psychologists believe that the order in which each child is born is a huge factor in shaping personalities. Each child is born into a different environment.

Relating to Older Adults Gerontology: the study of the aging process The Third Age: the period of life after 50 Four out of five people survive to age 60! Longevity—the length of a life span 50% is linked to personal lifestyle choices 20% is linked to heredity 30% is linked to environmental factors

Theories on Aging Activity Theory: the more active and involved people cope with aging more easily than those who are less active. –Physical, mental, and social skills remain strong through frequent use –“use it or lose it” Disengagement Theory: elderly people naturally become more solitary and sedentary. –Disengaged people are less happy, healthy, and satisfied with life.

To better understand the elderly, realize they are concerned with… Physical health/Medical care Mental health Social changes Finances Living Arrangements –“Sandwich Generation” Safety

The Aging Process Chronological Aging: the number of years a person is Biological Aging: deals with body changes that affect the working ability of its systems Psychological Aging: affects intelligence, learning, personality, and memory due to changes in sensory and perceptual processes. (does not affect all in same way) Sociological Aging: deals with how society influences older people’s views on aging and lifestyle choices. (health, income, work, and fun)

Stages of Dying and Grieving Denial—when you react with shock and disbelief Anger—react with fury at others for continuing to live without you or furious at someone for leaving you Bargaining—try to make a deal for more time Depression—will mourn losses, things not done, and wrongs committed. Acceptance—realize it is a fact and can’t be changed