Chapter 2 Your Family 35
The Adoptive Family
An adoptive family occurs when an adult brings a child from another
family into his or her own family through legal means. The child is then a
permanent part of the family with similar rights and responsibilities as other
family members.
Sometimes couples choose to adopt because they are physically unable to
have children. Other couples may wish to add more children to their family. A
single person may want to provide a home for a child. In most cases, adoptive
families create a loving, stable home life for the child.
The Foster Family
A foster family forms when a family temporarily takes care of children
because their parents are unable to do so. Foster parents assume the
responsibilities of providing care for the children until they can go home to
live with their parents. In some cases, the children will stay with the foster
parents until they are adopted. Foster families perform the same functions as
any family.
The Childless Family
A childless family consists of a married couple without children, 2-4.
There are various reasons couples may choose not to have children. Some
couples are unable to have children. Other couples may decide to never have
children. They may want to apply their time and energy to their careers or
other passions. These couples may enjoy spending time with children of
friends and relatives. They may not want, however, the full-time responsibility
of raising children.
Family Roles and
Responsibilities
As a member of a family, you
have certain roles. You may be a
daughter, son, niece, nephew, aunt,
or uncle. These roles describe your
relationship to other family members.
You also have family roles that are
defi ned by the tasks you perform.
Cook, launderer, and shopper are
just a few of these roles you might
fi ll. In each role, you assume different
responsibilities. Family members
expect you to perform certain actions.
In many families, members often
exchange roles and responsibilities.
For instance, family members may
rotate tasks such as cleaning the
2-4 Some married couples choose not to have children.
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Note
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