Family Relationships Objective: TSWBAT identify types of families, characteristics of healthy families, factors of dysfunctional families and how to improve family relationships.

Families

Types of Families Nuclear family – two parents + one or more children Single-parent family – one parent + one or more children Blended family – married couple + children from previous marriages or relationships Extended family – includes additional relatives Adoptive family – one or two parents with one or more adoptive children (can have biological children too) Foster family – temporary placement of children in a home of adults who are not related

Your family and your health Physical health – providing medical care, setting limits on behavior, teaching health skills Mental and emotional health – safe environment for you to share and express your emotions, love and support, value and affirmation Social health – communication, cooperation, values, cultural heritage

Families Ideal Family – Dysfunctional Family – Family Continuum – Has the skills needed for loving, responsible, supportive and productive relationships Dysfunctional Family – Lacks skills to be successful and function in healthy ways Does not meet the needs of the family members Family Continuum – All families fall somewhere between ideal and dysfunctional on the family continuum

Characteristics/Behaviors of Strong Families Good communication Caring and support Respect Commitment Trust

ACT Action Commitment Time Choose actions that promote healthy family relationships Commitment Make a promise to be a loving family member Time Spend time with your family

Causes of Dysfunctional Families: Chemical Dependence Drugs and alcohol addiction Dysfunctional family was first studied in families in which there was alcoholism Other Addictions Eating disorders, workaholics, gambling, etc. Violence (Domestic violence) Physical abuse Emotional abuse (verbal abuse) Sexual abuse

Causes con’t Neglect/Abandonment Mental Disorders Family Changes Failure to provide proper care and guidance Removes oneself from whose care is one’s responsibility Mental Disorders Mental or emotional condition that makes it difficult for a person to live in a normal way Family Changes Separation, divorce, blended/step families, tragedies, stress, etc.

How to improve dysfunctional family relationships: Sources of support Family counseling services Support groups Community services (shelters or hotlines) Law enforcement Hospitals or clinics Faith communities Schools services (nurse, guidance counselor)