1. Family Life The Family as a System

2. Families are Complex The more people, the more complex Example: in a family of four there are 12 relationships Family relationships have their own patterns and interactions

3. Each arrow represents an interaction between family members. How many interactions are there?

4. Rights and Responsibilities Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand Physical needs Promoting emotional support Speaking and being heard Supporting and encouraging Families can balance member’s rights and responsibilities by making sure all members have the chance to grow Children need to grow and learn Parents opportunities to learn and grow

5. Balancing Roles Families balance their system by fulfilling roles Each member has roles that are either given or chosen What would a given role be? What would a chosen role be? Members should have responsibilities that match their skills When roles are fulfilled they keep the family balanced.

6. Adjusting to Change Roles may change as the family changes Adjusting keeps the family balanced What are some examples that you can think of? Sometimes members do not fulfill their roles and responsibilities How does this affect the family?

7. Restoring Balance Family does not function smoothly when roles and responsibilities are not fulfilled Families can do two things Help those that are not fulfilling their roles Example: alcoholic father not providing, other members can provide support Other members work together to handle the problem Example: if unemployment occurs, other members can go to work to help support the family

8. Society also suffers if responsibilities are not met Broken relationships, emotional problems, family violence, and child abuse can occur which then become the primary concern to communities and societies

9. Roles in the Family Worksheet List your family members then indicate which roles each member does.