What is a family? A family is defined as a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption. Families share common traits with other families, such as meeting needs for family members and for society. Each member also has certain roles and responsibilities.

The Role of the Family: Your family meets many needs often taken for granted! You would not be here if it were not for your family. One of the main functions of families within society is reproduction, or having babies. This keeps the population growing.

Socialization: Socialization means teaching children proper behavior. For example… teaching manners, what you believe to be right or wrong, how to treat others, and how to communicate with others. Parents serve as role models. Discipline is part of the socialization process.

Meeting Physical Needs: Parents support their children financially. Parents provide food, clothing and shelter for family members. Families care for sick members of their family.

Providing Emotional Support: Families provide unconditional love, comfort and support. Family members are accepted and loved, including in times of disappointment or stress within the family.

In a family you learn you do not have to be perfect for someone to love and care about you.

Families are not the only social unit that performs these functions….. Schools help socialize children. Religious organizations help teach children right from wrong. Hospitals and dentists help families with physical care. The police and fire department help keep families safe. Families need help from society. Society needs help from families to perform all of its roles.

A family is a relationship… A relationship is a connection that a person has with another person. A family structure is a term used to describe the makeup of a family group. Any family structure can provide a happy and secure atmosphere in which to grow up.

The Functions of Family… Families meet the social, emotional and physical needs of family members.

A family is… a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption

Types of Families Nuclear Family –A mother, father, and one or more children

Single-Parent Family –One parent and one or more children

Stepfamily –Formed when a single parent marries. The new parent may or may not have children of his or her own. (blended family)

Extended family Formed when one or more relatives are added to any other type of family

Childless Family A couple who has no children

Adoption is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth mother or father.

Foster families care for minor children or young people who no longer live with their biological parents or other custodial adults by state authority. Foster placements are monitored until the biological family can provide appropriate care or the child is adopted.