Living in families

1. Living in families Adapted from Chapter 2 “The Developing Child” 7th Edition

2. What is a family?

3. What is a family? • A group of 2 or more people who care about each other and are committed to each other

4. Types of Families • Nuclear • Extended • Single-Parent • Blended

5. Nuclear family • A family group with two generations – mother, father and children – sharing the same household • Some included adopted and foster children • Adoption is the legal process in which people obtain the permanent right to raise a child who is not biologically theirs • Foster children are those whose parents or other close family members are unable to care for him or her

6. The Extended Family • A family group that includes relatives other than parents and children within a single household • Examples include: • Grandparents raising grandchildren • Grandparents living with children and grandchildren

7. Single – parent family • A family group that consists of one parents and one+ children sharing a household • Single parenting puts great demands on parent unless there is a support system in place

8. Blended family • A family group that consists of a married couple and at least one child from a parent’s previous relationship • Also called a “step-family”

9. Examples from pop culture • Nuclear • Blended

10. Examples from pop culture • Single Parent • Extended

11. Family Life Cycle • A series of stages in a predictable order

12. Family life cycle

13. Family life cycle • Beginning stage • Couple works to establish a home and marriage • Childbearing stage • Prepares and adjusts to parenthood • Child-rearing stage • As children grow, parents work to meet their children’s changing needs and help them develop • Launching stage • Children gradually leave home and support themselves • Empty-nest stage • After the last child leaves home, the couple adjusts to life without rearing children • Retirement stage • Couple adjusts to aging process

14. Family life cycle • Variations • Single adulthood • Single parenthood • Divorce • Remarriage • Couples without children • Adult children who move back in with parents

15. Trends affecting families • Changing Family Roles • Less clearly defined now • Increasing numbers of families are headed by single parents or by two employed parents • Mobile Society • Individuals and families move often • Causes families to lack close, supportive connections with friends and relatives • Awareness of Family Values • Many believe in government supporting and encouraging families

16. Strengthening families • Commitment • A pledge or promise of loyalty • Time together • Doing various activities • Communication • Open communication is essential to a strong family system • Appreciation • Affirm each other • Each family member is appreciated for who they are • Shared beliefs • Usually based on the teachings and practice of an organized religion • Coping skills • Techniques that help people solve a problem or adapt to a situation

17. What is a parent? • Caretaker of the offspring of their own species. • Biological parent: sire of child; shares DNA • Adoptive parent: one who nurtures and raises the offspring of the biological parents but is not actually biologically related to the child • A parent changes roles throughout the years • During childhood, a parent is the caretaker and supporter of child • During teen/early adulthood, parents become advisers and mentors • During mid adulthood, parents are friends and confidants • During the parents elderly years, they become dependant on their children, and roles are reversed.

18. Are you ready to be a parent? • New responsibilities • Life long commitment • Will need to manage time, money, energy, knowledge, and skills • Changes in lifestyle • Parents have limited personal freedom • Emotional Adjustments • Anxiety • Fear • Frustration • Doubts • Financial worry

19. Are you ready to be a parent? • Changes in relationships • Take new feelings out on spouse • May feel there is less in common with friends • Strained relationships with extended family due to “advice” • May feel closer to own parents • Emotional maturity • Putting baby’s needs above your own • Desire for parenthood • Health considerations

20. Are you ready to be a parent? • Management skills • What are the family’s needs and wants? • What are the family’s goals? • Financial considerations • What are the family’s expenses? • Can a child be added into the budget?

21. Why Parent? • Unsound reasons • Our marriage is in trouble. A baby will solve our problems • A baby is someone who will love me and belong to me • I feel like I’m nobody. Being a parent will make me feel like somebody • Sound reasons • Having children will add depth to our relationship • I want to give a baby my care and love • I feel good about myself. Parenthood will be a meaningful and rewarding experience

22. Why Parent? • Unsound reasons • I want someone who will take care of me when I am old • Our parents want grandchildren • Sound reasons • I want to experience the special bond between parent and child that lasts a lifetime • I love children and I want to be a parent

23. Exit slip • Why is it important to make decisions about parenthood before pregnancy begins? • What effects do you think an unplanned pregnancy can have on a married couple?