1. Building Strong Families
3.1 Family Characteristics

2. Discussion Questions What does family mean to you?
What are qualities or characteristics that make a strong family?

3. Qualities of Strong Families
Work together to provide for the needs of the family
Prepare children to live in our society
Spend time together
Share responsibilities
Work together to resolve differences
Listen to each other with an open mind
Show appreciation towards one another

4. Functions of the Family
Meet Basic Needs
Physical- food, clothing, shelter, health, and safety
Emotional- to love and be loved; to care and to be cared for
Social- to help others, sharing, teamwork
Intellectual- language, numbers, colors
Prepare Children to Live in Society
Learning how to live with others
Adults teach children values or what is important through:
Example- treat children and others with respect.
Communication- explaining why it is wrong to hit others.
Religious Training- learning the principles of right and wrong.

5. Other Functions of the Family
Provide Support
Form Traditions
Tradition- a custom that is followed over time.
Celebrations, Family Traditions, Patterned Family Interactions
Share Values
Values- beliefs held by an individual, family, community, or society.
The importance of something (like respect, honesty)
Passed on through example, communication, & religious training.

6. Family Structure Nuclear Family Single-Parent Family
Includes a mother and father and at least one child.
Also known as the traditional family
Single-Parent Family
Includes either a mother or a father and at least one child.
Custodial parent- the parent with whom the child resides.

7. Family Structure Blended Family Extended Family
Is formed when a single parent marries another person, who may or may not have children.
Step Family (parents)
Extended Family
Includes a parent(s), at least one child, and other relatives who live with them.

8. Family Structure Joining a Family
Legal Guardian- person who is designated by a legal process to assume responsibility for raising a child.
Usually a relative or very close family friend
Adoption- legal process in which children enter a family they were not born into.
Foster Child- a child that comes from a difficult circumstance and is placed in temporary care of another person.

9. The Family Life Cycle 1. Couple Stage 2. Expanding Stage
Couples grow closer
Work together to establish a home and marriage relationship
2. Expanding Stage
Arrival of a child (begins parenthood)
Prepares for and adjust to parenthood
3. Developing Stage
Children grow; parents work to meet children’s needs
Focus of the family is socialization and developing independence of children.

10. The Family Life Cycle 4. Launching Stage 5. Middle Stage
Children gradually leave the home to support themselves
Parents help their children adapt to life on their own
Children become independent
5. Middle Stage
A couple renews their relationship and prepares for retirement
Time and money for special interest
Empty Nest Stage- all children have left the home
6. Retirement Stage
The couple stops full-time work and adjust to more free time
Life may be slower paced but the couples still enjoy each others company.

11. Trends Affecting Families
All families are affected by trends in the society around them.
Trends may support families or put additional pressure on them.

12. Trends Affecting Families
Mobility- moving from the community you were raised
Aging Population- larger number of older people living.
Intergenerational- occurring between older and younger age groups.
Economic Changes- smaller families, two incomes
Workplace Changes- layoffs, moving, working at home
Technology- increase efficiency at home vs. isolation

13. Family Under Stress Family Doctor / Local Hospital Counselor
Social Worker
Religious Leader
Family Service Agencies

14. Spending Time Together
How does spending time together help to build strong families?

15. Family Values Value- a belief about what is important
Name one value that a family may share.

16. Handle Family Conflicts
When families resolve their conflicts successfully, the family becomes stronger.
Tips for handling conflicts:
Keep cool
Be an active listener
Use positive body language
How would you rate your family’s conflict resolution skills?
Which technique could you use to improve your own?