Building Strong Families

Chapter #3

Families: The Context for Parenting

Section #3.1

Section Objectives

• Describe the functions of the family.• Identify the basic needs of children and how

parents meet those needs.• Compare different types of family structures.• List the stages of the family life cycle.• Describe trends that affect families.• List sources of support that are available to

families.• Identify ways people can help build strong

families.

Functions of the Family

• Families meet children’s basic needs and prepare them to live in society by:– Setting good examples– Communicating– Religious training

Family Structure

• Common family structures today:– Nuclear:

• Includes a mother and father and at least one child.– Single-Parent:

• Includes either a mother or a father and at least one child.• Custodial Parent:

– The parent with whom the child resides.

– Blended:• Is formed when a single parent marries another person,

who may or may not have children.– Extended:

• Includes a parent or parents, at least one child, and relatives other than a parent or child who lives with them.

Joining a Family

• Legal Guardian:– A person who is designated by a legal

process to assume responsibility for raising a child.

• Foster Children:– Children who typically come from troubled

families, or those in difficult circumstances.

The Family Life Cycle

• Family Life Cycle:– A series of stages that families today go through.

• The Stages:– Beginning Stage– Parental Stage #1– Parental Stage #2– Parental Stage #3– Middle Age– Retirement

Trends Affecting Families

• Trends in society affect families an include:– Mobility– Aging Population

• Intergenerational:– Relationships between older and younger age groups.

– Economic Changes– Workplace Changes– Technology

Building a Strong Family

• Forming Traditions:– Celebration Traditions– Family Traditions– Patterned Family Interactions

• Shared Values• Handling Family Conflict:

– Keep Cool– Be an Active Listener– Use Positive Body Language

Homework Assignment

• Read Section #3.1: “Families: The Context for Learning” in the “The Developing Child” Textbook (pg.71-82).

• Answer Questions #1-7 under “Reviewing the Section” on pg. 82.

Effective Parenting Skills

Section #3.2

Section Objectives

• Identify the basic types of children’s needs.• Describe the three parenting styles and some

characteristics of each.• Give examples of effective techniques for

encouraging appropriate behavior.• Explain how to set limits and why they are

important.• Identify ways of dealing with inappropriate

behavior.• Explain the importance of consistency when

guiding children.

Meeting Children’s Needs

• Children have physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs that should be met by a family.

• Deprivation:– Lack of the critical needs and an

encouraging environment that are essential for physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being.

Parenting Styles

• Parents should find the parenting style that works best for them and their children.

• Parenting Style:– How parents and other caregivers care for and

discipline children.

• Types of Parenting Styles:– Authoritarian– Assertive-Democratic– Permissive

Guiding Children’s Behavior

• There are positive ways to guide children’s behavior and deal effectively with inappropriate behavior.– Positive Reinforcement:

• A response that encourages a particular behavior.– Negative Reinforcement:

• A response aimed at discouraging children from repeating an inappropriate or unacceptable behavior.

• Time-Out:– A short-period of time in which a child sits away from other people

and the center of activity.

• Understanding Guidance:– Guidance:

• Using firmness and understanding to help children learn how to behave.

– Self-Discipline:• The ability to control their own behavior.

– Conscience:• An inner sense of what is right

Homework Assignment

• Read Section #3.2: “Effective Parenting Skills” in the “The Developing Child” textbook (pg. 83-93).

• Answer Questions #1-6 in the “Reviewing the Section” on pg. 98.