Family Relationships
Objective:
TSWBAT identify types of families,
characteristics of healthy families, factors of
dysfunctional families and how to improve
family relationships.
Families
Types of Families
 Nuclear family – two parents + one or more
children
 Single-parent family – one parent + one or more
children
 Blended family – married couple + children from
previous marriages or relationships
 Extended family – includes additional relatives
 Adoptive family – one or two parents with one or
more adoptive children (can have biological
children too)
 Foster family – temporary placement of children
in a home of adults who are not related
Your family and your health
Physical health – providing medical care,
setting limits on behavior, teaching health
skills
Mental and emotional health – safe
environment for you to share and express
your emotions, love and support, value
and affirmation
Social health – communication,
cooperation, values, cultural heritage
Families
Ideal Family –
Has the skills needed for loving, responsible,
supportive and productive relationships
Dysfunctional Family –
Lacks skills to be successful and function in
healthy ways
Does not meet the needs of the family
members
Family Continuum –
All families fall somewhere between ideal and
dysfunctional on the family continuum
Characteristics/Behaviors of Strong
Families
Good communication
Caring and support
Respect
Commitment
Trust
ACT
Action
Choose actions that promote
healthy family relationships
Commitment
Make a promise to be a loving
family member
Time
Spend time with your family
Causes of Dysfunctional Families:
 Chemical Dependence
Drugs and alcohol addiction
Dysfunctional family was first studied in families in which
there was alcoholism
 Other Addictions
Eating disorders, workaholics, gambling, etc.
Violence (Domestic violence)
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse (verbal abuse)
Sexual abuse
Causes con’t
Neglect/Abandonment
Failure to provide proper care and guidance
Removes oneself from whose care is one’s
responsibility
Mental Disorders
Mental or emotional condition that makes it
difficult for a person to live in a normal way
Family Changes
o Separation, divorce, blended/step families,
tragedies, stress, etc.
How to improve dysfunctional family
relationships: Sources of support
Family counseling services
Support groups
Community services (shelters or hotlines)
Law enforcement
Hospitals or clinics
Faith communities
Schools services (nurse, guidance
counselor)