Filipino Family & Community: Types and Characteristics

Filipino Family Structure

• The Filipino family is typically extended, with close relationships up to the second degree of relatives
• The whole family often works together to raise funds during financial problems and cares for sick loved ones

Types of Filipino Families

• Nuclear family: consists of two parents and children, considered the traditional ideal
• Extended family: includes many relatives living together, often due to financial difficulties or elderly relatives needing care
• Single-parent family: consists of one parent raising one or more children, often a mother with her children
• Childless family: consists of a husband and wife living and working together, sometimes considered the "forgotten family"
• Stepfamily: involves two separate families merging into one new unit, often with adjustment periods and discipline issues
• Grandparent family: many grandparents today are raising their grandchildren due to various reasons such as parents' death, addiction, or abandonment

Members of the Filipino Family

• Father: considered the head of the family, strong and eminent figure, strict and protective
• Mother: cares for the domestic needs of the family, provides emotional growth and values formation, balances the discipline from the father
• Children: considered a gift from God, average of 3-4 kids in urban areas and 4-5 in rural areas, respect to everyone older is a custom

Others in the Filipino Family

• Grandparents (Lolo and Lola)
• Uncles and Aunts (Tito and Tita)
• Cousins (Pinsan)
• Helpers (kasambahay)

Culture of Respect

• Respect to elderly/parents: saying "po" and "opo", doing the "Mano po", asking permission or "Paalam", addressing them with respect titles (e.g., Lolo, lola, tatay, nanay)
• Respect to older siblings: saying "po" and "opo", addressing them with respect titles (e.g., Kuya, ate), regarding their advice
• Respect to Filipino homes: removing shoes before entering, and other customs