1. Family Life

2. Family
Family – basic unit of society made up of a group of people who are related, including parents, stepparents, children and sometimes other relatives.

3. Family Structures Couple Family-two adults and no children
Nuclear Family-mother, father and a child or children
Single-Parent Family-one parent lives with children (may be unmarried, widowed or divorced)
Extended Family-nuclear or single parent family plus other relatives (granparents,aunts/uncles, cousins) living in same household
Blended Family-parent, stepparent, and children of one or both parents

4. What are some influences that can affect a Family Structure? Discuss

5. Forces that influence the change in family structure
Birth
Jail
Natural Disaster
Random Event ?
Divorce/Desertion
Death
Remarriage
Illness
Unemployment
Substance Abuse/Rehab
Military
College

6. Family Problems
Dysfunctional Family-type of family that does not function in healthful ways
Examples:
Alcohol/Drug problems within the family
Abuse (Physical, Mental or Sexual)
Neglect
Violence
Abandonment

7. Help for family problems
Friends
Counselors
Trusted adult/relative
Teacher
Family counseling
Organizations

8. Elements that help sustain a loving, helping and healthy relationship
Effective communication
Clear sense of values
Responsible decision making
Ways to resolve conflict
Effective coping skills
Ways to express and integrate affection
Learn to respect authority

9. Key Definitions
Affection – fond or tender feeling that a person has toward another person
Love Commitment – when you make a pledge or promise to have a great deal of affection for another person
Unhealthy Relationship – one that hurts self respect, interferes with productivity and health

10. What are some healthful ways to show affection to someone?
Discuss

11. Key Definitions
Sexual Orientation-one’s attraction or feelings towards men and/or women
Stereotyping- conventional opinion, image or conception
Heterosexism-attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships.
Domestic Partnership-interpersonal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are not married (to each other or to anyone else)
Family Structures- a family support system

12. What are some ways or strategies to fix or end a unhealthy relationship?
Discuss

13. Strategies to end a unhealthy relationship
Evaluate each of your relationships on a regular basis
Recognize when you must end a harmful relationship rather than work to change it
Identify changes in behavior that must occur for you to stay in a relationship
Talk to a parent, guardian or other trusted adult about changes you expect in a relationship
Have a discussion with the other person in the relationship, share your concerns and expectations
Talk to a counselor