2. Chapter 3
Families Today

3. In what ways do family relationships affect children?
Essential Question
In what ways do family relationships affect children?
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4. Healthy Family Development
3.1

5. Objectives After studying this lesson, you will be able to
analyze factors couples should consider when preparing for marriage.
assess changes that take place during the family life cycle.
describe ways that culture influences the family.
compare past and present societal influences on families.
determine characteristics of healthy families.

6. What Do You Think?
Why is it important for couples to build a healthy foundation?
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7. Are You Ready to Get Married?
Why do I want to get married?
When do I want to get married?
What qualities would each partner bring to a marriage?
Do we have similar life goals and values?

8. Communicating Effectively
Nonverbal communication—sending or receiving messages without words (such as through body language)
Verbal communication—the words used to deliver and receive messages
Active listening—the receiver sends feedback to the sender that the message is understood

9. The Family Life Cycle
Beginning stage—family of two get to know one another and decide about children
Childbearing stage—birth children and learn role in guiding children
Parenting stage—focus on guiding and nurturing children; treat children more as adults during adolescence
(Continued)

10. The Family Life Cycle
Launching stage—children start to leave home; parent-child relationship becomes more equal
Mid-years stage—parents may have more time for hobbies; may become grandparents and focus on retirement
Aging stage—parents continue to develop new hobbies and enjoy family and friends; health issues may limit activities

11. Aspects of Culture History, folklore, heroes Language Humor Names
Holiday celebrations, traditions, and rituals
Methods of greeting
Preferences about personal space and touching
Foods, eating methods, manners
Dress and body decorations
Home furnishings, decorations
Art and music

12. Group-Oriented Culture
Family includes kin and maybe others; tend to live close or together.
Status is related to age and gender.
Members conform to those in authority, cooperate, and emphasize harmony.
Group dependency is important, and bonds are strong.
Members express emotion indirectly.

13. Individual-Oriented Culture
Family includes parents and children; may live far away from one another.
Individual welfare is crucial to decision making.
Members take pride in achievements and accomplishments; may challenge authority.
Early independence is encouraged.

14. What Do You Think?
Do you think institutions in the U.S. operate under a group orientation or an individual orientation? How could society be more supportive of both orientations?
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15. Multicultural Families
A multicultural family includes members from two or more cultural groups.
Challenges can occur because of
communication differences among cultures
differing cultural expectations
differing traditions
differing views toward family life
expressions of bias

16. Characteristics of Healthy Families
Marriage built and directed by shared values
Acceptance of family members’ differences
Expectation that family values and structure will change
Willingness to adjust
Mutual commitment to family life
Others-centeredness, not self-centeredness
Sharing of responsibilities
Honesty and dependability

17. Family Types
3.2

18. Objectives After studying this lesson, you will be able to
identify various types of family structures.
analyze the main rewards of living in different types of families.
evaluate the main challenges of living in different types of families.
compare and contrast different types of adoptions.

19. Did You Know?
All family types have both advantages and disadvantages. What are some advantages and disadvantages of one family type?
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20. Nuclear Families
Nuclear family—a father, a mother, and their biological child or children who live together
Disadvantages
Relatives do not live in the home to provide additional support.
Parents may not have a positive relationship.
Advantages
Needs are more easily met through cooperation.
Children see spouses relate and share responsibilities.

21. Single-Parent Families
Single-parent family—a family with children headed by one adult
Disadvantages
Families may experience financial concerns.
Families may experience emotional concerns.
Advantages
Children may have greater independence.
Joint-custody arrangements may allow for involvement of both parents.

22. Extended Families
Extended family—more than two generations of a family living together
Disadvantages
Many people living in one space can cause stress.
Needs of the group may outweigh the needs of any one individual.
Advantages
Family history is passed along.
Caregiving and support can be provided within the family.

23. Stepfamilies
Stepfamilies—formed when a single parent marries another person
Disadvantages
Families face adjustment challenges.
Advantages
Families can have many good relationships.
Families in which children of both spouses all live together are called blended families.

24. Adoption
Adoption—when a child of one pair of parents legally becomes the child of another parent or parents
Closed adoption—the identity of the birthparents and adopting family are not revealed
Open adoption—some degree of communication between adopting family and birthparents

25. Families with Adopted Children
Families with adopted children—formed when a parent or parents adopt a child
Disadvantages
Parents must adjust to new role quickly.
Children may miss or want to know about their birthparents.
Advantages
Adopting families generally want and love their children very much.

26. Foster Families
Foster families—families in which adults provide temporary homes for children who cannot live with their birthparents
Disadvantages
Children must face problems from life with birthparents.
Children may grieve being separated from birthparents.
Advantages
Foster families provide a stable, secure environment.

27. Did You Know?
A guardian is someone legally appointed to take responsibility for a child in the death or extended absence of the birthparents. What would be advantages and disadvantages to living with a guardian?
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28. Families with Grandparents as Head of Household
Families with grandparents as head of household—families with children headed by grandparents
Disadvantages
Grandparents may have trouble physically and financially caring for children.
Grandparents may be grieving or experience anxiety.
Advantages
Grandparents typically have excellent parenting skills.
Grandchildren respond positively to grandparents.

29. Did You Know?
Grandparents often do not have legal guardianship of their grandchildren. What challenges does this present to families with grandparents as head of household?
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