HECMA Program

Understanding family relationships

Ms. Sandra Gorman

Everyone is part of a family Family: is the basic unit of society It gives people a place to belong to. Your

family is part of a community and a country

Your family teaches you values, beliefs and expectations

Tell your partner about your family

Different types of families

1. Nuclear Family: husband, wife and their child / children

2. Blended Family: One stepparent, one parent and one or more children

3. Single-parent Family: one parent and one or more children

4. Extended Family: parents, children and other family members such as grandparents living together.

How families help their members

Physical needs: food, water & shelter Mental needs: teaches life skills, answers

questions & helps expand knowledge Emotional needs: love, acceptance, trust &

security Social needs: teaches how to get along with

each other and with people outside the family Nurtures: to fulfill physical, mental/emotional

and social needs

Develop Values & Beliefs

Family’s way of life Traditions Culture Religious beliefs

Values & Beliefs Your values & beliefs influence the decisions

you make, even as an adult. Influence the types of activities you

participate in The foods you eat The type of healthcare you choose Choose to NOT participate in risky

behaviours e.g. smoking, alcohol, drugs

Roles & Responsibilities Every family member has one or more

roles such as parent, child or sibling. There are responsibilities that come with

each role AS you get older, your roles and

responsibilities change as your family needs change.

Roles help families deal with the challenges of daily life and can help build strong family relationships.

Building family relationships

People in strong families feel connected They enjoy spending time together

Strengthen family relationships

Show appreciation for each other – thank you

Support other family members Spend quality time together – mealtimes Communicate effectively – openly Show responsibility – house tasks / jobs Show respect Follow family rules

Positive ways to coping with change in the family Moving to a new home Separation, divorce or remarriage of

parents Job change or job loss Birth of a new sibling Illness or injury Death, loss and grief

Change affects ALL family members

Positive Coping with change

Changes and challenges are a normal part of family life.

Keep up normal routines Talk opening Get outside help if neededCounsellors, healthcare workers, religious leaders, police and legal help

Families work together

For most people, the family stands at the center of their lives.

People who enjoy healthy family relationships are more likely to enjoy healthy relationships with others.

Vocabulary Family: is the basic unit of society Nurtures: to fulfill physical,

mental/emotional and social needs