Roles and Relationships

Family Placement Activity Students who are: The oldest child go to table 1. The oldest child go to table 1. The youngest child go to table 3. The youngest child go to table 3. The middle child go to table 6. The middle child go to table 6. The only child go to table 4. The only child go to table 4. Each group is to list the advantages and disadvantages of their birth order on the poster board. Each group will present their findings.

Birth Order The order in which children are born into a family influences the development of the children. Oldest children bear the burden of the parents’ heaviest expectations and also of the parents’ inexperience in raising children. Second or third children are generally treated in a more relaxed way by the parents. Youngest children often have a more difficult time in making the transition to adulthood.

Oldest Child Usually set up as an example to the other children. Treated more like an adult by his/her parents. A high achiever. Given and accepts more responsibility than the other children. Usually college-bound. Independent.Affectionate.

Middle Child May work extra-hard to get recognition. Is usually a peacemaker. Is somewhat average in schoolwork, but is an all-around good student. Is usually a calm, even-tempered adult.

Youngest Child Gets a lot of attention, along with a lot of bossing. May be spoiled. Usually matures quickly. May be undisciplined and irresponsible. Is easy-going about school. Likes to associate with someone who takes charge of situations.

Sibling Rivalry Competition among children of the same family for their parents’ affections or for dominance. It can occur at any age, even into adult life. Next to the parent-child relationship, the sibling relationship is probably the strongest.

Relationship Qualities MutualityTrustSelf-DisclosureRapportEmpathy Shared Interests

Mutuality Both people contribute to the feelings and actions that support the relationship. They understand what they want from each other Example: After a long day with her active one year old son, Kerry felt that she did nothing but give and give to him. Then her son smiled at her and cuddled in her life for a bedtime story. Kerry knew she was receiving something priceless.

Trust The belief that others will not reject, betray, or hurt you. Examples: friends and family members trust each other to keep personal discussions private. Cast members of a school play trust each other to learn their lines.

Self-Disclosure The willingness to tell someone personal things about yourself Telling more about yourself lets the relationship deepen

Rapport A feeling of ease and harmony with another person. No matter what you feel comfortable with someone

Shared Interests Shared interests form a stronger base for building a relationship

Signs of weak relationships A relationship can be poisoned by exploitation: using another person unfairly for personal benefit An exploiter tends to be self-centered and have little trust in others.

Roles Roles are either given or chosen Given: son/daughter, brother/sister, student Chosen: husbands/wives, football player, cheerleader

Role Expectations The behavior you anticipate from a certain role. Stereotypes: a standardized idea about the qualities or behavior of a certain category of people. Someone who is tall might be asked if they are a basketball player.

Role Tree On a paper create a role tree to illustrate the roles and responsibilities you have. The tree trunk is the primary role. Teen male/Teen female Large branches are the secondary roles. Son/daughter, sister/brother, student, friend, team member Small branches are main characteristics or responsibilities of large branches. For son/daughter helping with chores, giving love and support to families. Leaves off small branches describe specific responsibilities such as walk the dog, wash dishes.