Diversity in early childhood
lisa9530
ECS_3423_Chapter3.ppt
FAMILIES IN OUR CLASSROOMS:
Many Ways, Many Voices
Chapter 3
Key Concepts
- Family
- Family configurations
- Traditional family
- Kinship care
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A modern day family is defined by:
- Expectations based on current societal needs.
- New membership and configurations.
Its functions and roles as key social institution.
- Its role in the care and development of the child.
Families are groups of people who…
- Love and nurture one another.
- Meet basic needs of its members.
- Act as positive role-models for the young.
- Support each other in good times and bad.
- Respect each other.
- Share values and beliefs.
- Share a cultural identity.
- Live effectively as a social group.
- Transmit a sense of pride.
- Create strong invisible bonds.
(Robles de Meléndez, 2006)
Functions of the Family
- Basic Life’s Tasks
- Developmental Tasks
- Hazardous and Safety Tasks
- Economic Support
- Domestic/Health Care
- Recreation
- Socialization
- Affection
- Education/Vocational Support
Family Models
- Intact Family (two-parent heterosexual couple
- Blended Family (step families, multiple-marriage heterosexual couples)
- Single-parent
- Grandparent family
- Foster family
- Sibling-headed family
- Same-sex family
Traditional Family
Nontraditional Family
Extended and Kinship Families
- Refers to situations when child is cared by family members or grandparents
- Widens the circle of those caring for the child
- Provide valuable social and developmental support for child
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Characteristics of Successful Families
- Common values
- Adaptability
- Sense of spirituality
- Shared goals
- Mutual support
- Sense of joy
- Good communication
- Family pride
Characteristics of Challenged Families:
Low self-esteem
Lack of trust
- Inability to engage in fun experiences
Shame, anger, sadness
- Lack of intimacy among family members
Challenges Faced by Immigrant Families
- Adjustment to new lifestyle
- Cultural shock
- Language barriers
- Immigration status
- Employment
- Rejection and discrimination
- Lack of support services
- Unawareness about available services
