9.1 Families Today
Ardene Niemer, M.Ed.
To understand, respect, and be responsive to the families and children we serve, we must first look at what each of us defines as family. We all probably have an image in our minds of what a family is, but often, we do not stop and think about how the families in our programs may have different characteristics. We need to learn about the diversity in the cultures of our families as well as the diversity in family structure. These perspectives are important considerations for success for the child and family and provide critical information about how to design and deliver program content. It will also guide how we work with families in creating goals and even choosing learning materials.
The foundation for family connections is developed by first creating a shared definition of family. We know that all children are part of a family, but “family” does not fit a single idea or concept of what a family is. Families are made in many ways, in different sizes and compositions. Some examples include single-parent families, two-parent families, and extended families with more than one generation living together. Families are also blended, stepfamilies, biracial/multi-racial families, families from the LGBTQ+ community, straight families, families that have immigrated to the United States, transnational families that live in two countries, and families who migrate to follow work availability. Children may have been born into a family or may become part of a family through foster care, adoption, or kinship arrangements.
Some children in our programs live in more than one home and are members of more than one family. We also need to be aware that not all the families we serve have stable residences. There are many unhoused families with young children in our communities.
Reflection
Take a moment to reflect and describe your family or a family that you know well.
1. Categorize the family experience.
- It was a larger family.
- It was a smaller family.
- It was a medium-sized family.
2. Apply your knowledge.
- What is your concept of small, medium, and large families?
- Do you think there could be a difference between your view of family size and that of your classmates?
- How did you count or include members of your family?
- How do you think your answers and those of your classmates are influenced by race, ethnicity, and culture?
- What do you need to take away from this reflection to implement into your practice with children and families?
Stresses of Family Life
We all face the stresses of daily life, including finding work, paying bills, [pb_glossary id=686]relationships[/pb_glossary] with friends and family, taking care of our health, etc. However, parents with young children face even greater burdens. They are often at the beginning of their careers and make less money in addition to having to pay all the costs related to child-rearing. We know from research and parent reports that there is a lack of affordable, q