Child Development: The Family

Child development: The family life

Types of families:

 

Adoptive family

Cohabit family

Extension family

Extended family

Fostering family

Institutionalising

Nuclear family

One parent family

Same sex family

Blended (reconstituted)family

Family structures

 

A family is a group of people who live together or who are related by blood ties, marriage or adoption. A family usually consists of one or more parents and at least one child. The classic popular image of the family is of a married couple and two children. However, family structures in the UK are much more diverse than this.

The functions of a family

 

The modern family prefers a number of important functions for its members, they include:

·         Proving physical resources ( like food, shelter, and clothing.) for the healthy growth and development of children.

·         Physical and psychological protection of family members.

·         The primary socialisation of children.

·         To provide love and emotional support.

·         Providing opportunities for learning and development.

The family has a basic task of meeting the needs of its members. The needs of each individual within a family will differ and change in response to there:

·         Life stage.

·         Pattern of growth and development.

·         Experience of health problems, social or emotional development issues.

·         Cultural background.

Types of family structure:

 

Nuclear family: Two heterosexual parents and dependent child(ren).

Extended family: Nuclear family plus additional relatives living together.

One parent family: Single parent and dependent child (ren).

Blended family: Two parents with dependent children from previous relationships and/or their other children.

Same sex family: Two gay or lesbian parents and dependent child(ren).

Adoptive family: any form of family with one or more adopted child.

Foster Family: Any form of family with one or more fostered children

Maternity pay

 

Women working

 

Changes in lifestyle

I.e. getting married + having children later in life.

 

Reasons for change in family structures

 

Adoption

 

Residential care home (children home)

 

 

Foster care

 

                                                                Children in care

Type of care

Advantages

Disadvantages

Residential care home:

A care home managed by the local authority. Children of all ages will live together with staff.

·         Short term

·         Provides children a home.

·         Shared facilities

·         Rules and regulations to follow

Foster care:

This involves placing a child with a family who will provide care and support on a temporary basis

·         short term

·         Gives the child to experience a family

·         Child can feel isolated

·         Hard to see the child developing

·         Child may not want to speak up

Adoption:

When an adult or often a couple become the parents of the children they gave not given birth to.

·         Long term care

·         Secure family setting

·         Chance to build real relationships

·         Child can gain siblings

·         Fail to settle and bond with the family

·         Have…