Family Structures
What is a family?
A group of people who care for and support each other
Stage where people form serious relationships or get married
The Coupling Stage
A connection between two or more people
Relationship
A family formed through legal adoption rather than birth
Adoptive Family
When both people in a relationship are independent but still rely on each other for support
Interdependence
Treating others kindly and valuing their feelings
Respect
Family where one parent is responsible for most of the care of the children
Single Parent Family
Stage of the family life cycle usually begins in young adulthood
Independence
Someone pressuring you to change important parts of who you are
Sign of an unhealthy relationship
A family that includes parents, children from previous relationships, and any biological children they have together.
Blended Family
Stage where adult children leave home, and couples refocus on their marriage
Empty Nest Stage
Disagreements in relationships are:
Completely normal
Family with two parents and their biological children
Nuclear Family
Building close, healthy relationships
Intimacy
Reasons why strong relationships are important
They help people feel supported and reduce loneliness
Family structure that includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives living together or nearby
Extended Family
Roles parents must take on when a baby joins the family (three)
Individual, Partner, Parent
Reasons why finding common interests helps relationships
Gives people opportunities to spend time together
Benefit of extended families.
Children receive support from multiple family members.
Parents have additonal support.
Skills partners must learn in the coupling stage
Communication, compromise, and problem-solving
Why is it important to respect people’s differences
It builds trust and helps people feel valued