Lesson 4 – Family Strengths Robert Wonser

2 FAMILIES TODAY  Family is not going anywhere; but it is becoming more diverse  In the US, families provide a source of satisfaction  When asked about how much satisfaction they get from their family life,  43% said a very great deal,  34% said a great deal,  and 11% said quite a bit.  When asked in general how satisfied they were with their family 90% indicated satisfaction at some level.

3 FOSTERING RITUALS, TRADITIONS AND HOLIDAYS  Family rituals, traditions, and holidays are the way to build a connection between generations, to create new memories, and to keep family traditions alive.  Scientists have found that reunions and celebrations tend to promote cohesion and adaptability in family systems while offering mutual support between nuclear and extended family members.  Rite of passage or an event that signifies the transition of a person from one stage in life to another (e.g., non-driver to driver).

4 FAMILY HISTORY  Family history is the process of documenting and cataloging one’s own ancestral heritage.  Ancestry.com

5 RESISTING FAMILY ENTROPY  Family system entropy is the process of decay within a nuclear family system that is facilitated by the diverse roles and demands placed on family members as they travel their life courses together.

6 RESISTING MARITAL ENTROPY  marital entropy the forces of decay and chaos that wear down a marital bond.