15.2 Family Relationships

Learning Outcomes

After studying this lesson, you will be able to

• the functions of the family.

• the role of community in supporting families.

• strategies to promote healthy relationships with parents or guardians and siblings.

• various changes that occur within families and ways to adjust to them.

The word has several definitions. Legally, a family is people related by , , or who live in the same home. A family may also include other relatives, partners, and diverse members. There are many different types of family structures (Figure 15.13). No matter the type of family, family relationships are important.
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The very first relationship most people have are with their . As they grow up, many people spend lots of time with members of their , meaning their parents or guardians and siblings. Extended family members, such as , uncles, cousins, and , can also play a significant role in a person’s life. Together, many people consider these family relationships to be among their closest.

In this lesson, you will learn about different conflicts that can occur in family relationships and ways to prevent and resolve them. You will also learn about changes in family relationships and skills to help cope with these changes.

Functions of Family Relationships

have several unique functions that make them different from other relationships. Unlike other types of relationships, relationships in families have the responsibility of providing for members’ , fulfilling members’ mental and emotional needs, and and socializing children.

Provide for Physical Needs

Families typically provide for members’ physical needs, such as needs for food. Families are also responsible for ensuring that members are (Figure 15.14). Your parents or guardians may take you to the on a regular basis. They probably set rules—even rules you may not like—with the goal of keeping you safe and healthy.

As children grow older, they can take on tasks to help meet the family’s physical needs. For example, doing some helps keep the home a healthy place to live. It also takes tasks away from parents or guardians who have to spend many hours a day working.

Meet Mental and Emotional Needs

Families also help meet members’ , such as the needs for love, , and emotional comfort. For example, your parents or guardians may attend your school performances and sporting events. Family members may celebrate your and your achievements. The support and love you receive from your family members help you and good about yourself. Many people rely on their families for advice about how to solve issues or handle challenges.

Children can help meet the needs of adults in the family, too. When children show love for parents or guardians, grandparents, or other extended family members, those adults feel good. Children can provide words of support or when adults feel down.

Educate and Socialize Children

Families by teaching them about the world and sending them to school. They also socialize children by teaching them to behave in ways (Figure 15.15). Children learn about culture, values, and traditions (specific patterns of behavior) through their families. They from family members, as well as information about their families’ culture and religion. All families have unique traditions, which may include special occasions, holding particular values and beliefs, and participating in certain , or series of actions.

Families and the Community

Families live in larger social groups, or . Because of this, neighbors and even strangers can have an impact on . For example, they can give support to family members in times of trouble by providing meals when a parent or guardian is ill. Neighbors can be friends to family members and join with them in enjoyable social events.

A community is more than just a neighborhood, however. Families live in towns or cities, and these locations have institutions and services that can help families, such as and fire departments, , and government agencies. State laws require that children receive certain vaccines to promote public health and prevent the spread of diseases. School officials take steps to remove students who , helping families meet the goal of keeping members safe.

It is important to have within your community. You can build healthy relationships in your community by treating other people with respect, being open and honest about what you think and feel, and being reliable and (Figure 15.16).

Relationships with Parents or Guardians

Family relationships are some of the most you will have in your life. These relationships, however, can be difficult at times. For example, many children experience some conflict in their relationships with , , or other caregivers. These conflicts can get worse as children . Identifying common issues in these relationships and using certain strategies can the relationship between caregivers and .

Common Issues in Relationships with Parents or Guardians

Many issues between parents or guardians and young people result from . For example, one major goal young people have is to form a unique identity apart from family. is a time of self-exploration. During this time, young people naturally push for things such as freedom and independence (Figure 15.17).

At the same time, parents’ or guardians’ goals include keeping young people and teaching them how to function well in society. To do this, parents or guardians that young people might find , or limiting. This is one reason why conflicts between parents or guardians and young people often escalate during adolescence.

Conflicts between parents or guardians and young people may also develop as a result of such as television and movies. Young people may see messages about living in families that with the or customs of their own families. These differences can be a source of conflict.

Maintaining Healthy Relationships with Parents or Guardians

Maintaining healthy relationships with parents or guardians takes effort. Fortunately, the following strategies for having and resolving conflicts with parents or guardians can help:

• Take time to consider your parent or guardian’s . Many conflicts may be the result of differing priorities or misunderstandings.

• Share your plans ahead of time. Make sure to before you commit to do something with a friend. Answer any questions your parents or guardians may have and revise the plan, if needed.

• Discuss . If you disagree with a rule, calmly explain why you think the rule should change and give reasons for your suggested change (Figure 15.18). Your parents or guardian may agree to reconsider the rule.

• Follow your family’s rules, even if you with them. Remember that parents and guardians may these rules if you show responsible behavior and a willingness to obey limits. On the other hand, if you do not follow the rules, you may weaken your family’s in you.

• . When you have a disagreement, do not resort to yelling and do not walk away. Show your parents or guardians that you are capable of having a and that you can be responsible.

• doing enjoyable activities with your family. You might suggest having a special family dinner one night a week or planning a trip. These types of activities can bring families together.

who have healthy relationships with their parents and guardians can their thoughts and feelings, challenges, and learn to make healthy decisions. Unfortunately, some adolescents may feel their relationship is unhealthy. If you have an unhealthy relationship with a parent or guardian, do what you can to the relationship. Talk to other adults you trust, such as a teacher, , or school nurse. You can also reach out to community resources.

Common Issues in Sibling Relationships

Even siblings who are related or who grow up in the same household may not share interests. Siblings may have , find different activities interesting, or have different ways of handling major life events. These differences can create conflict, especially when siblings spend a lot of time together.

Another source of conflict among siblings is , which is called . Siblings may compete for material or items. Examples of sibling rivalry include competing for a parent’s or guardian’s attention or fighting over use of the television. When is involved, feelings of competition may increase. Sibling rivalry may lead to negative feelings, such as , anger, or jealousy.

Maintaining Healthy Relationships with Siblings

Effective strategies for keeping sibling relationships healthy include the following:

• Get away from and cool down. By taking a break from a heated situation, you will avoid making the argument worse.

• Express how you feel to your sibling. is the first step in resolving conflict. Try to work with your sibling to find solutions to your disagreement. Show respect for your sibling’s ideas.

• Talk to your parents or guardians about the and see if they have advice for finding a good solution.

• when issues arise. Try to work out a solution that both you and your sibling think is fair (Figure 15.19). Together, you can develop specific rules for handling ongoing sources of conflict.

• Identify a for each person. For example, if you share a bedroom with a sibling, talk to your sibling about setting aside areas for each of you.

• Respect your sibling’s space and privacy. Do not enter a without knocking. If you share a room, respect your sibling’s private space within that room.

• Find enjoyable ways of with your sibling. This could include going for a bike ride or having a family game night.

Changes in Family Relationships

All families encounter changes over time. For example, a member may have a physical or mental , lose a job, or move to a . Change can create in a family and disrupt family relationships. These changes are a normal, although , part of family life.

Even positive changes—such as a job promotion or —can create stress. This is because new events lead to changes in how family members interact every day. For example, suppose a parent or guardian gets a at work. This may mean that the parent or guardian must work longer hours or travel more. Other family members may need to take on additional chores at home.

Some of the most challenging changes are those that affect family structure—the addition or loss of a family member. These changes include the birth or adoption of a new family member, , remarriage, and the death of a family member. Although these events can be difficult, can work through them together. Sometimes, families even when dealing with such as these. Using skills and effective strategies for maintaining family relationships will help family members get through these challenging periods (Figure 15.20).