Family: 1. A group of individuals living under one roof 2. A group of persons with common ancestry 3. A group of people united by common convictions

Elements of an Effective Family The have a leader They have a switchboard operator They are much to all their members but everything to none They are hospitable The deal with trouble when it arises They prize their rituals They are affectionate They have a sense of place They connect to posterity They honor their elders

Stress and The Family The Changing Family –Divorce –Longevity of elders –Distance relationships/Mobility –Cultural Norms –Expectations –Single parent families –Family planning –Dual Career

The Challenge of Marriage Two individuals must leave their families of origin form a new family. Each person must take what was useful from their family and leave the excess baggage behind.

In the home, one person’s stress is everyone’s stress.

4 Areas of Family Stress 1. Children 2. Marriage/Partner Relationship 3. Finances 4. Time Constraints

Children Growth -physical, psychological, emotional Power Struggles Anxiety Special needs

Marriage Relationships Different Backgrounds Different Styles Different Dreams Disappointment Power Struggle Great Expectations not met

Finances Spending vs. Saving Priorities Identity Mine and Yours

Time Providing Time vs. Being There Me Time vs. Us Time Learning Time Responsibilities