1. Chapter 2 “Learning about Families”
In your journals: Heading: Name, Period, Date, Assignment: Chapter 2 “Learning about Families” Intro
Write a couple paragraphs describing a memorable family event. What was the reason for the gathering: holiday, celebration, funeral, etc.? How did it impact you? How did it impact the family as a whole?

2. Section 2-1 “Understanding Families”
Functions of family – meeting basic needs
Safety and health
Intellectual needs (family is the first teacher)
Love
Moral education – getting along with others
Preparing children – values passed on by:
Example – what we see we do
Talking – we explain right from wrong
Religious training – places of worship teach a moral way of living.

3. Family Structures
Nuclear Families – mother, father, and at least one child
Single-Parent Families: either a mother or father and at least one child
Blended Families: single parent married to another person who may or may not be a parent
Extended Families: have relatives other than a parent or child who live with them
Children enter families: biologically (born in), adoption (legally become as though biological) , or as foster children (usually from troubled families and only temporary) a guardian assumes responsibility for a child as a result of birth or a legal process

4. Draw a picture of your current family structure.
Example: Single parent home: mom and two daughters

5. The Family Life Cycle: Beginning Stage: establishes home and marriage
Parental stage 1: expanding: couple prapares and adjusts to parenthood
Parental Stage 2: Developing: children grow and parents work to meet their needs and establish independence
Parental Stage 3: Launching: Children leave home and support themselves. Parents work to help children adapt to life on their own.
Middle Age: Couple renews their relationship and prepares for retirement. “empty nest”
Retirement: couple retires and adjusts

6. In a Group
Think of a challenge and a reward for each stage of the family life cycle.
Example: Beginning Stage : Challenge- difficult to adapt to someone’s habits and traditions. Reward – special time without added responsibility of children allows the couple time to bond and develop a strong foundation for the “empty nest” stage.

7. Trends Affecting Families
Mobility: more adults leave their communities. This creates a lack of supportive connections.
Cultural Diversity: Immigrants value the freedom of America, but still find new society not easy
Aging Population: People living longer has created situation in which people are caring not only for children but aging parents; or grandparents raising grandchildren
Economic Changes: downturns lead to mothers working outside the home, smaller families, delay in having children, and high demand of child care where both parents work
Workplace Changes: decline in manufacturing leading to fewer jobs creating a need for more education and new skills, fewer benefits, and more working at home
Technology: home offices, entertainment, communication

8. Coping with Pressures on the Family
Avoid scheduling to many activities
Watch for clues that the family members need a break
Focus on responsibilites and on activities that people enjoy
Schedule family meals
Plan ahead
Maintain your sense of humor

9. With a Partner Complete one of the following:
P. 60 Thinking It Through OR
P. 68 Connecting School to Career

10. Section 2-2 What Parenthood Means
Record your daily schedule for three days, including one weekend. Example: Thursday: 6:00am – wake up dress and eat 7:00 pm – catch bus to school 8:30- 3:45 – school 3:45- 5:30 practice 5:45 bus home 6:00 homework and dinner 9:30 tv 10:30 bed

11. Now
Imagine you are a parent. How would your daily life change? What new activities would be added? What would you have to drop?

12. Parenthood Brings Lifelong Changes
The responsible parent no longer puts their needs first.