Identify characteristics of, and strategies to develop, a strong, functional family.

Identification should include

  • appreciating and respecting each other
  • affirming and supporting each other
  • spending time together
  • having a sense of play and humor
  • sharing cultural, religious, and/or ethical and moral values
  • dealing positively with crises
  • having a sense of shared responsibility
  • balancing family members' needs for interaction with needs for privacy
  • seeking help for problems when needed
  • using effective communication skills to listen, share, and resolve conflict
  • having a strong sense of family, with rituals and traditions.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

  • What is meant by the term functional family? What are the functions of the family?
  • Why are strategies needed to create and maintain a strong, functional family?
  • What factors might influence your beliefs or ideas regarding strong, functional families?
  • How do cultural, societal, demographic, and economic trends influence a functional family?

Communication

  • Why are good communication skills essential to creating and maintaining a strong, functional family?
  • What communication skills are needed to display unconditional love in caring ways?

Leadership

  • What leadership skills enable you to accept help and support when needed?
  • How can leadership skills be used to work out problems and challenges as a family?

Management

  • What information is needed to develop strategies for creating and maintaining a strong, functional family?
  • What barriers are faced when seeking to create and maintain a strong, functional family?