1. Family: Keep on ROLEing

2. A quote to think about…. “The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together”. ~Erma Bombeck Thoughts?

3. The ROLES we play In every family, each family member plays a certain role. A ROLE is an EXPECTED pattern of behavior associated with a person’s position in society or a family. a way of ACTING to fulfill certain responsibilities in life Often times, the way we behave in our role is determined by other people. We learn how to be in our roles from ROLE MODELS.

4. Keep on ROLE ing…… Roles in life are either GIVEN to us or CHOSEN by us. GIVEN roles are automatically acquired (no choice). An example would be when you are born, you become a son or daughter. CHOSEN roles are deliberately selected (your choice). An example would be deciding to get married, which makes you a husband or wife. What other roles would be considered GIVEN? What other roles would be considered CHOSEN?

5. More about ROLES The behavior you EXPECT from a certain role is called ROLE EXPECTATION. What do we expect from a mother or father? When we have differing views of a role expectation, Role Conflict occurs. Role Conflict is often a main source of contention in a family. What types of role conflict have you experienced in your family?`

6. Quick THOUGHT What roles exist in our families? Mother Father Sister (Older, middle, younger, baby) Brother (Older, middle, younger, baby) Grandparent Aunt, Uncle, Cousin What words do you associate with all of these roles?

7. Sibling Relationships Often times in our families, we may develop a close relationship similar to a friendship with our siblings. Next to the parent-child relationship, the sibling relationship is probably the strongest. In an ideal world, siblings would always get along, but there are times in life where sibling rivalry over powers the relationship. Sibling Rivalry is competition among children of the same family for the parent’s affection or to establish dominance. Sadly, the “rivalry” can occur at any age, even into adult life.

8. Why would siblings fight? Often siblings fight simply due to their birth order. The order in which children are born into a family is defined as “birth order”, and it influences the development of the children. Oldest children bear the burden of the parents’ heaviest expectations and also of the parents’ inexperience in raising children. Second or third children are generally treated in a more relaxed way by the parents. Youngest children often have a more difficult time in making the transition to adulthood

9. Oldest Characteristics….  The oldest child typically does or acts like the following: Usually set up as an example to the other children. Treated more like an adult by his/her parents. A high achiever Given and accepts more responsibility than the other children Usually college-bound Independent Affectionate

10. Middle Characteristics… The middle child typically does or acts like the following: May work extra-hard to get recognition. Is usually a peacemaker. Is somewhat average in schoolwork, but is an all-around good student. Is usually a calm, even-tempered adult.

11. Youngest Characteristics The youngest child typically does or acts like the following: Gets a lot of attention, along with a lot of bossing. May be spoiled. Usually matures quickly. May be undisciplined and irresponsible. Is easy-going about school. Likes to associate with someone who takes charge of situations.

12. Moment to reflect……. Where do you fall in the “birth order”? Considering your birth order, do you possess any of the characteristics? What are your thoughts about sibling rivalry? Do you wish you had a different “birth order”? Why or why not?