Understanding Family Structures and Relationships

• Family structure and interpersonal relationships are covered on page 71.

Family Types

• Extended family includes more than two generations of family members.
• Nuclear family consists of a married couple and one child and is considered a small family.
• DINK (Double Income, No Kids) family is a couple with two incomes and no children.

Importance of Family

• The importance of family to individuals can be found on page 72.
• Economically, families work together and aim for a comfortable standard of living.
• Families provide a safe space for emotional well-being.
• Recreational activities within families involve shared experiences, fostering joy and strengthening family bonds.
• Families are responsible for the continuation of the next generation.
• Family protection equals safety.
• Socially, families help children develop appropriate behaviors.
• Families provide basic education and values.
• Families connect to shared religious customs, such as weddings.

Parent-Child Relationships

• Parent-child relationships are detailed on page 73.
• In a vertical relationship, parents initially take care of and discipline their child.
• As parents age, the child may take on the role of caregiver.
• In a horizontal relationship parents treat each other equally as the parent-child relationship evolves.