2. Strengthening Family Relationships (1:34) Click here to launch video Click here to download print activity

3. Family members support and care for one another, especially during difficult times.

4. stress separation divorce custody

5. Characteristics of Strong Families Strong families support their members in a variety of ways. Different families interact together in different ways.

6. Characteristics of Strong Families Traits of Strong Families Good Communication Caring and Support Respect Commitment Trust

7. Characteristics of Strong Families Spending time together strengthens family relationships.

8. Coping with Change Family members can help each other cope with changes in the family’s structure or circumstances. Because change is a normal part of life, healthy families must be prepared to deal with changes and help each other cope.

9. Changes in Family Structure Birth Adoption Separation Divorce Remarriage Death of a Family Member Examples of Changes

10. Birth and Adoption Welcoming a new baby or an adopted child into the family is a joyful event. Family members can help by sharing the responsibility for taking care of the new child and making an effort to find time for each other.

11. Separation and Divorce Couples who choose separation may work out their differences and live together again. Separation A decision by two married people to live apart from each other

12. Separation and Divorce When parents divorce, they need to come to an agreement about where the children will live. Divorce A legal end to a marriage contract

13. Separation and Divorce Custody may be granted to only one parent (sole custody) or divided so that both parents share in the child rearing (joint custody). Custody The legal right to make decisions affecting children and the responsibility for their care

14. Remarriage When a parent remarries, the children must adjust to having, or living with, a stepparent. If the stepparent has children, all members of the blended family will need time to adjust.

15. Death of a Family Member Perhaps the most difficult change a family can go through is the death of a family member. Joining a support group or seeking help from a counselor may help those who have lost a loved one recover from their pain.

16. Death of a Family Member Family members can help each other through this difficult time by sharing their feelings and memories about the person they’ve lost. respecting each other’s feelings and remembering that the process of grieving is different for everyone.

17. Changes in Family Circumstances Changes in a family’s circumstances can also be a source of stress. Family members can help each other deal with these changes by communicating honestly and showing as much support as possible.

18. Changes in Family Circumstances Moving to a New Home Changes in the Family’s Financial Situation Illness and Disability Alcohol or Other Drug Abuse

19. Coping with Changes One of the most important strategies for coping with changes in the family is to talk honestly and openly with each other.

20. After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary By sharing their thoughts and feelings honestly with each other, listening to one another, and demonstrating empathy 1.How can family members demonstrate good communication?

21. After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 2.What are the two main types of changes that cause stress in families? Changes in family structure and in family circumstance

22. After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 3.Identify three situations that can lead to a change in family structure. Birth or adoption of a child; separation, divorce, remarriage; death of a family member