This document discusses families and parenthood. It defines different types of families including nuclear, extended, single-parent, and blended families. It also outlines the typical family life cycle stages from beginning to retirement. The document notes trends affecting modern families like more women working and an aging population. It stresses the importance of healthy family relationships with commitment, communication, and time spent together. The second part discusses considerations for parenthood including emotional maturity, reasons for wanting children, health factors, management skills, and financial preparedness.

1. LivingIn Families Chapter2

2. Journal #1 -- How would you define the word family?

3. I. The importance of families What is a family? Group of 2 or more people who care about each other and are committed to each other A family is the child’s first connection to the world Family is one of the best gifts – to love and be loved Provides a safe environment from which to explore Gives a sense of belonging

4. II.Typesof families A. Nuclear family Group of 2 generations Father, mother, at least 1 child Some include adoptive children as well as biological children Some include foster children Vary in size & structure

5. B. Extended family Family group including relatives other than parents & children with single household Woman raising 2 grandsons Sometimes refers to additional relatives household who give emotional support

6. C. Single-parent family Consists of one parent & 1 or more children Never married Divorce Death

7. D. Blended family Consists of married couple & at least 1 child from previous relationship Step-parenting What kind of family do you belong to??

8. III. Family life cycle Series of stages in predictable order for families Usually go through the stages in the same order, just at different times Differences b/n families, yet similarities Amount of time in each stage varies

9. THE FAMILY LIFE CYCLE A. Beginning stage Couple establishes home & marriage relationship B. Child bearing stage Prepare & adjust to parenthood C. Child rearing stage Continue to work to meet changing needs – develop independence

10. D. Launching stage Middle age Caregivers of both kids & parents “sandwich stage” Gradually leaving home parents help children to adapt to life on their own E. Empty nest Middle age, grandparents All the kids are out of the house A couple again F. Retirement Adjust to aging process Develop new interests Renew old ones

11. Variations in family life cycle: Single adulthood Single parenthood Divorce Remarriage Couples without children Adult children who move back in with parents

12. IV. Trends that affect family systems: Some create stresses, others encourage family unity A. More women in work force – 80% Growing need for child care Parents spending less time with children? B. Rising population of older citizens Need more care from children C. Changing family roles Roles are less clearly defined Wife - cook, clean, care for children Husband – work, handle finances, discipline, large decisions PLAY FAMILY ROLE GAME

13. D. mobile society Individuals or families move often Family often lack close connection with family & friends More reliance on own members & long-distance relationships

14. E. Awareness of family values In a sense, families have gained increasing recognition Government involved in insuring rights, health care Family friendly policies More flex working hours On-site child care centers

15. V. Great need for healthy family Protection Support Sense of identity Acceptance Social development What’s appropriate behavior and language through modeling Guides behavior and learning

16. Being able to forgive Unconditional love Loyalty and trust toward one another Coping skills Techniques that help people solve problems or adapt to a situation Confront difficulties regularly Sometimes need to accept outside help Problems are NOT a sign of weakness, identify it early & dev. Skills to solve it

17. VI. Strengths of healthy families Sense of commitment to each other and to God Time spent together Pray together Eat together Plan time to spend together Strong, clear communication Appreciation of each other Affirm each other that you care Shared beliefs and traditions Church, attend family gathering, participate in family traditions

18. Section 2I.Considerationof Parenthood A. Parenthood brings changes 1. New responsibilities The baby is TOTALLY dependant on YOU Consider babies needs, not just yours Good management is the key Time, money, energy, knowledge, skills Call on family, friends, church for help

19. 2. Changes in lifestyle Caring for a newborn takes much TIME Limits parents personal freedom Not so easy to go anywhere at any time

20. 3. Emotional adjustments Anxiety about the baby & how to care for it Fear of not being a good parent Frustration of loss of personal freedom Loneliness from spending time at home along with baby Doubts about being a parent Worry about $ Jealousy of attention the baby gets Depression – tired & hormone changes

21. 4. Changes in relationships Changes in couples’ relationship Friendships, less time New roles for extended family

22. 5. Rewards of parenthood Far outweigh any challenge Happiness, pride, love Sense of accomplishment

23. II.Making Decisions about Parenthood 1. Emotional Maturity Are you equipped & ready emotionally Age isn’t the dependant

24. 2. Desire for parenthood Why do I want a child now Pg 54. Sound & Unsound reasons

25. Sounds Reasons Add depth to a relationship, which is already strong Desire to give a baby your care and love Feel good about yourself Parenthood will be a meaningful and rewarding experience Experience the special bond b/n parent and child that lasts for a lifetime You love children and want to be a parent

26. Unsound Reasons Marriage is in trouble….maybe this will solve the problems A baby is someone who will love me and belong to me You feel like your nobody. Being a parent will make you somebody You want someone who will take care of you when you are old Parents want grandchildren

27. 3. Health considerations Over 35 – high health risks for both mother & baby 4. Management skills Evaluate family’s needs & wants Decide on family goals Find resources to reach those goals 5. Financial considerations May need to change lifestyle Calculate costs ahead of time, see if able May have to quit work to take care of baby, loss of income or daycare???