Family Life Unit

1. Family Life Unit What Makes Up a Family, and What Role Do We Play In It!!

2. Family Structures • The following types of families exist today, with some families naturally falling into multiple categories. • For example, a single parent family who lives in a larger, extended family. • While these types of families are distinct in definition, in practice the lines are less clear.

3. Nuclear Family • The nuclear family is the traditional type of family structure. This family type consists of two parents and children. • The nuclear family was long held in esteem by society as being the ideal in which to raise children. • Almost 70 percent of children live in a nuclear family unit.

4. Single Parent Family • The single parent family consists of one parent raising one or more children on his own. • Often, a single parent family is a mother with her children, although there are single fathers as well. • The single parent family is the biggest change society has seen in terms of the changes in family structures. • One in four children is born to a single mother. • Single parent families are generally close and find ways to work together to solve problems, such as dividing up household chores. 

5. Step Family • Over half of all marriages end in divorce, and many of these individuals choose to get remarried. • This creates the step or blended family which involves two separate families merging into one new unit. • It consists of a new husband and wife and their children from previous marriages or relationships. • Step families are about as common as the nuclear family, although they tend to have more problems, such as adjustment periods and discipline issues. • Step families need to learn to work together and also work with their exes to ensure these family units run smoothly.

6. Childless Family • While most people think of family as including children, there are couples who either cannot or choose not to have children. • The childless family is sometimes the "forgotten family," as it does not meet the traditional standards set by society. • Childless families consist of a husband and wife living and working together. • Many childless families take on the responsibility of pet ownership or have extensive contact with their nieces and nephews as a substitute for having their own children.

7. Extended Family • The extended family structure consists of two or more adults who are related, either by blood or marriage, living in the same home. • This family includes many relatives living together and working toward common goals, such as raising the children and keeping up with the household duties. • Many extended families include cousins, aunts or uncles and grandparents living together. 

8. Grandparent Family • Many grandparents today are raising their grandchildren for a variety of reasons. • One in fourteen children is raised by his grandparents, and the parents are not present in the child's life. • This could be due to parents' death, addiction, abandonment or being unfit parents. • Many grandparents need to go back to work or find additional sources of income to help raise their grandchildren.

9. Family Values • Family values include the qualities that are most important to you as a family, such as integrity or hard work or kindness • They also define what you believe is right and wrong. • General ValuesHonestyTrustworthinessCompassionCourageIntegrityPatiencePersistenceGratitudeFunPositive attitudeQuality time together

10. Values: Most families embrace values in several areas, including the following… • Social ValuesRespect and courtesyVolunteer workKindness to othersStanding up for othersAppropriate disciplineAttitudes toward othersChoice of language • Civic ValuesOpportunityEqualityPatriotismFreedomIndividual rightsRespect for the law

11. Values Continued…. • Work ValuesCooperationCommitment to excellenceCreativity and expressionSatisfaction in achievementsFinancial security or stabilitySpending philosophyProductivityEducation and knowledge

12. Building Relationships • Relationship – is an emotional or social connection between two or more people. • Name 4 different types of Relationships you can have? • How can Relationships keep you healthy? • How can Relationships Damage your health?

13. Helpful Tips for Relationships • Teamwork – meaning everyone in a group takes personal responsibility. • Personal Responsibility – is doing your part, keeping your promises, and accepting the consequences of your actions • Clear Communication – • Speaking clearly • Thinking about what your going to say before saying it, • Face your audience • Ask questions • Make eye contact

14. Body Language • Have you ever heard someone say; “Your saying one thing, but your body language is saying another”. • Body Language – is a way of communicating by using the look on your face, the way you hold your hands, and the way you stand

15. Difficult Conversations and Defensiveness • Arms folded in front of the body. • Minimal or tense facial expression. • Body turned away from you. • Eyes downcast, maintaining little contact.

16. Unengaged Audiences • Sitting slumped, with heads downcast. • Gazing at something else, or into space. • Fidgeting, picking at clothes, or fiddling with pens and phones. • Writing or doodling.

17. Positive Body Language • Open body position (arms unfolded). • Upright posture. • Relaxed and open facial expression. • Arms hanging relaxed by the sides. • Regular eye contact.

18. Friendship • A relationship between people who enjoy being together, who care about each other, and who have similar interests. • Being honest with each other • Friends respect your beliefs and values. • Good friends never ask you to do anything that would go against your values or values of your family • The number of friends you have does not matter • The Quality of the friend is all that matters

19. Supporting your Friends • Ways to support your friends • Helping them reach goals • Cheering for them in sporting events or different types of performances • Helping them with projects or chores • Studying or exercising together • Standing by them when they say no to unhealthy choices

20. Speaking Up…. • Friends does not mean that you always have to agree with one anothers choices. • If a friend is making poor choices; speak up. • Sometimes saying something is enough to show a friend that someone does care about them and the choices they make. • When friends support each other, they tend to influence each other • Influencing friends to make good choices is POSITIVE PEER PRESSURE.

21. Showing Affection • Healthy relationships are strengthened by showing one another affection: • Saying kind words • Offering a smile or a laugh • Giving a high five • Writing a card or a letter • Patting someone on the back • Being understanding; especially during hard times.

22. Unhealthy Relationships • A relationship where a person: • Hurts you • Threatens you • Encourages you to ignore your values • One person tries to control the actions of other friends • Tries to keep a friend away from another friend • If your parents are ever worried about a friendship; please take a deeper look into it.

23. Mistreatment • Minor Problems: these are problems in which you can usually resolve by yourself. • Arguments between siblings, friends Major Problems: not all problems are easy. Some are serious • Neglect: is the failure of a parent or responsible adult to provide for a child's basic needs; such as food, clothing, and shelter • Anybody can be a victim of this; and all people deserve the right to live safe, healthy lives

24. Abuse • Is treating someone in a harmful or offensive way. • Abuse can be identified in 3 different forms: • Physical Abuse • Emotional Abuse • Sexual Abuse

25. Physical Abuse- harmful treatment that causes injury to the body. • Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of child maltreatment. • Legal definitions vary from state to state, but broadly, physical abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver commits an act that results in physical injury to a child or adolescent. • For example red marks, cuts, welts, bruises, muscle sprains, or broken bones, even if the injury was unintentional. • Most children who experience physical abuse; usually develop aggressive behaviors, anxiety, or depression.

26. Emotional Abuse • The repeated use of harsh words or threatening actions to control another person. • Treating a person as though he or she is worthless • Usually tends to be the consistent use of verbal putdowns and shaming. • Tends to be a continually loop of Tension Build Up Abuse Making Up

27. Warning Signs • Withholding Affection • Threats • Ultimatums • Lack of Respect for Privacy • Property Damage • Playing the Blame Game • Alienating

28. Help • Talking about serious problems is difficult • People may be ashamed or afraid • But there is nothing to be ashamed of. • First step is talking to a trust adult who can guide you in the direction of getting help • An adult family member • Someone at school • Or contacting the police