Changing Families

1
Changing Families
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Family Changes

• 1.15 million couples divorce each year.
  Approximately 1 in 2 new marriages end in
  divorce.
• 3.7 million children in the U.S. live with
  grandparents. 1.4 million of those children do
  so without their own parents living with them.
• 25 of all families are step families.
• 13 of all families are single parent.
• The average family moves about 12 times during
  their lives.

3
Impact of Change
Change may impact families in several ways

• Change adds stress.
• Change may confuse parent roles.
• Some family members may respond by abusing drugs
  or alcohol.
• Childrens behavior may change.
• Communication problems may increase.
• Financial problems may result.

4
Strategies For Coping With Change
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A Family Support System.
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Taking care of oneself.
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Family Cooperation
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Ten Commandments for anEnthusiastic Family

• Help each other be right - not wrong.
• Look for ways to make new ideas work - not for
  reasons they wont.
• If in doubt - check it out! Dont make negative
  assumptions about each other.
• Help each other win and take pride in each
  others victories.
• Speak positively about each other and about your
  family at every opportunity.

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Ten Commandments for anEnthusiastic Family

• Maintain a positive mental attitude no matter
  what the circumstances.
• Act with initiative and courage as if it all
  depends on you.
• Do everything with enthusiasm - its contagious!
• Whatever you want - give it away.
• Have fun!!

10
Group Activity

• Case Studies

11
Summary