604 Glossary
F
failure to thrive. A condition in which
children do not meet the normal
milestones in weight gain, increase in
height, or in brain development. (19)
fallopian tubes. Narrow tubes that lie close to
the ovaries and connect to the uterus. (7)
family. A group of two or more people who
are related by birth, marriage, adoption,
or other circumstances. (2)
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Law that allows eligible employees (in
companies with over 50 employees) to
take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for
certain family situations. (10)
Family, Career and Community Leaders
of America, Inc. (FCCLA). The national
career and technical student organization
with the family as its focus. (22)
family-centered childbirth. Childbirth
method based on the belief childbirth
affects the family as a unit. (11)
family functions. The responsibilities a family
has for its members and how the family
carries out these responsibilities. (2)
family life cycle. The stages of family
development that expand and contract
over a period of time from marriage to
old age. (2)
family planning. A couple’s decisions
about their reproductive capabilities
including number, timing, and spacing
of children. (7)
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). A condition
that includes physical and mental
disabilities common among the babies
of mothers who drink alcohol heavily
during pregnancy. (9)
fetus. Developing baby from the ninth week
of pregnancy until birth. (8)
fi ne-motor skills. Skills that involve the use
of smaller body muscles, such as those in
the hands, fi ngers, feet, and toes. (13)
fi nger foods. Foods eaten with the fi ngers,
such as cooked and diced fruits and
vegetables. (13)
fi rst aid. Treatment of injuries that are not life
threatening. (21)
fl exibility. Being ready and able to adapt to
new and different circumstances. (1)
fontanel. The soft spot on a newborn’s
head. (12)
for-profi t. Program that operates as a
business with owners using the profi ts as
they see fi t. (20)
foster family. A family that provides
temporary, substitute care for children
who need it. (2)
G
gender constancy. Understanding that
despite outward changes or desire,
gender does not change. (15)
gender identity. Understanding the concept
that people are either male or female. (14)
gender role. A person’s behaviors, attitudes,
and beliefs about men and women in
society, acquired by watching the same-
gender parent. (2)
gender-role identifi cation. Behaving in ways
consistent with gender and cultural
rules. (16)
gender stability. Understanding that boys
become men and girls become women. (15)
gene. Basic unit of heredity. (7)
genetic counseling. Scientifi c information
and advice about heredity. (7)
gerontology. Study of the aging process
throughout the lifespan and the societal
impact of an aging population. (22)
gestational diabetes. Pregnancy-related high
blood glucose (blood sugar). (8)
gifted and talented. Children who show
outward signs of high achievement or
potential for high achievement in areas
such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or
leadership ability. (21)