Chapter 2 Families and Parents 51
Thinking Critically
1. Write a creative story about a family in
one of the parenting stages of the family
life cycle. As you tell the story, be sure to
weave the following information into the
story:
How did the family form?
Who are the members and how are
they related to one another?
Which family structure represents the
family?
How does this family operate as a
system?
Does this family have open or closed
boundaries?
How might the family structure and
functions change if the family faces a
life-altering challenge?
How do culture; socioeconomic status;
lifestyle; early relationships; and
community, media, and technology
influences impact this family?
Share your story with someone you know.
2. Watch a TV program based on family
life. Identify the family structure and
functions represented. Analyze the
relationships of the family members.
How did family members work together
in this family system? Do you think the
program realistically represents that
family structure and function? Write a
summary of your analyses.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Linking Academics
1. Writing. Write a one-page essay on how
you influenced your parents and your
parents influenced you in the parenting
process. As an alternative, write about
someone you know and his or her
parents.
2. Reading. Use library resources to select
a book about building strong families.
Read the book. Write a short report on
the key concepts presented in this book.
Which concepts might you prefer to use
in building a strong family of your own?
How do the book concepts relate to your
personal knowledge or experience related
to building strong families?