1. Family Structures

2. Nuclear Advantages Disadvantages 2 parents support one another
Includes a mother and father and at least one child.
Advantages
2 parents support one another
Parents raise the children
Possibly 2 incomes
Disadvantages
None

3. Extended Advantages Disadvantages Extra babysitters
Includes all relatives in a family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Advantages
Extra babysitters
Gain knowledge from elders
More people to divide household tasks among
Disadvantages
Additional authority figures
More crowded
Physical care of the elderly

4. Includes one parent and one or more children.
Single-Parent
Includes one parent and one or more children.
Advantages
Only one authority figure
Less parental conflict
Disadvantages
Demanding
No one to share responsibilities with
Stressful with possible lower income
No second gender role model
Possibly fewer hours with children

5. Blended Family Advantages Disadvantages “Instant” Family
Includes married couple, each spouse’s children from previous relationships, and any children they may have together.
Advantages
“Instant” Family
Opportunity to be around children
Disadvantages
The challenge of adjusting to others’ presence and their needs.
“Sharing” parents and family resources
Conflicting expectations of parents

6. Adopted Extended Advantages Disadvantages
Parents and one or more children that are permanently and legally placed.
Advantages
Solution for couples who cannot have children
Provides a home to children without parents
Disadvantages
Children may feel rejected by biological parents
Short transition period to parenthood
These structures may be nuclear, single-parent, blended, or extended family structures.

7. A family unit that serves as a substitute family for a child.
Foster
A family unit that serves as a substitute family for a child.
Advantages
Temporary care while birth parents solve problems
Foster families can help foster children with emotional problems
Disadvantages
Children may have emotional and legal issues from their birth families
Instability in placements / frequent adjustments required.
Competition with biological children and other foster children
These structures may be nuclear, single-parent, blended, or extended family structures.