Families
Families come in many forms:Each form has advantages and disadvantages or concerns, the
following are just a few
Nuclear
• Includes a mother, father, and one or more children
Advantages of Nuclear Family
• Two parents to share in the childrearing and household chores
• There are Male and Females role models for the children to learn from
Disadvantages of Nuclear
• Parents need to agree on the childrearing and disciplining of the children
Single-Parent Family
• Includes one parent and one or more children
• Most single-parent homes are led by mothers
• But Single-parent homes led by fathers is a growing structure in our country
Advantages of Single-Parent Families
• Parents can be independent of other adults
• Do not have to agree with anyone on child rearing
Disadvantages of Single-Parent Families
• Only one parent to be responsible for child rearing and household chores
• Only one sex role model for the children
• One income household
Extended Family
• Includes relatives in addition to mother, father, and children; for example, grandparents or aunts and uncles
Advantages of an Extended Family
• More adults to share with the childrearing and household chores
• More adult role models
• More financial support to the household
Disadvantages of the Extended Family
• Living space may have to be shared by the family members, such as bedrooms
• Members of different generations may not agree on childrearing
Blended Family
• Includes parents with children from former marriages and relationships
Advantages of Blended Families
• Two parents to share with the childrearing and household chores
• There are a Male and Female role model for the children
Disadvantages of the Blended Family
• Family must adjust to new family rules and expectations
• Member may have to share space
Adoptive Family
• Includes at least one child who is not the biological child of the parents but who is legally adopted
Advantages of Adoption
• Provides a home for a child who needs parents and a child for adults who want them
Disadvantages or Concerns of Adoption
• It is a legal process that may take a lot of time and money
• Child may have physical or emotional problems
Foster Family
• Includes at least one child that is not the biological child of the parents but is cared for by the family for a period of time
Advantages
• Provides a home for a child
Disadvantages or Concerns
• Child may have physical or emotional problems
• It is a temporary arrangement and members may become attached to each other
Childless Family
• A couple without children
Advantages
• Freedom of lifestyle
• Free to travel and have demanding careers
Disadvantages
• May be lonely and need care in their aging years
• No one to carry on the family name or inheritance
Single Family
• Adults that live alone or with roommates
Advantages
• Free to have lifestyle of their choosing
Disadvantages of Single Living
• May need assistance in the aging years
• May be lonely
The Family Life cycle
• A family goes through a series of six stages called the family life cycle.
Beginning Stage
• A couple comes together to establish and home and marriage relationship.
Expanding Stage
• The couple has a child and adjusts to parenthood.
Developing Stage
• As children grow parents work to meet their needs.
Launching Stage
• Children leave home to support themselves.
Empty Nest
• All children have left the home and couple prepares for retirement.
Retirement
• The couple stops full time employment and adjusts to having more free time.
Functions of a Healthy Family
• Things a healthy family system provides for each member
Provisional
• Parents provide children with basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter
Socialization
• Teaching children to conform to social standards
Recreational
• Families involve children in activities for fun and self-development
Therapeutic
• Families listen to problems and give emotional support
Kinship
• Families give a child a sense of belonging, expressing ethnic and religious traditions
Concerns Facing Families Today
• Each family is faced with special challenges and concerns in today’s society, these are just a few:
Latch Key Children
• School age children left alone for a short period of time after school until parents get home from work
Latchkey Children
• Should know how to answer the door and phone safely
• Should be able to prepare a simple snack, not using the stove
• Should have a relative or neighbor close by if emergency would occur, or child feels unsafe