Modules 5-8

language barrier

Some schools offer bilingual programs in specific languages to help children learn the language of their new culture. Parents can find English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at community centers and adult schools. Learning the new culture's language helps parents communicate with teachers, doctors, and others who have contact with their children.

Adjusting to a New Culture

When families move to an area with a culture different from their own, they may experience both challenges and benefits. While many immigrant families will retain aspects of their native culture, most will learn from their new culture as well. Immigration can create many advantages for families, including new opportunities to learn and a better quality of life.

family

a group of people who are tied together by blood, co-residence, or affection. In most cases, we think of a family as consisting of parents and children, but a family can also include other relatives, individuals not related to others, and so on.

Prejudice

a preconceived notion about a group. The difference between stereotypes and prejudice is that stereotypes are generally based on characteristics present in some members of a group, while prejudice happens when assumptions are made about a group before people get to know them.

Single-parent families

include one parent and his or her children living in the same household. The number of single-parent families increased over the last several decades, and it is the fastest growing family type in North America. Two reasons for this are that the divorce rate has increased since the early twentieth century, and more individuals are choosing not to marry. Most single-parent families are headed by women.

"fictive kin"

individuals are included in the family group because of feelings of affection, and may be referred to by family names such as aunt, uncle, brother, or sister.

Youth Organizations

organizations committed to helping, teaching, or supporting youths in some way. Depending on the organization, youth organizations may focus on individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, although some organizations also include younger individuals. Youth organizations vary widely in their focus and the areas that they cover. For example, The Boy Scouts of America focuses on building character and responsible citizenship in boys while Kids for Peace focuses on fostering peace around the world.There are many benefits to youth organizations. One of the primary benefits is that youth organizations offer teens and young adults a greater ability to be connected and involved in a positive way with their communities. They are often able to implement change within the community and observe the positive effects that the changes can bring. This is an empowering experience for most individuals regardless of age. Some studies have indicated that teens who participate in youth organizations are more likely to be involved in their communities as adults. Additionally, studies show that participants are more likely to do better in school, have more self-confidence, have better social skills, and have higher grades

egalitarian

power was distributed equally among the adult members of the family. In other words, men and women had to cooperate and share responsibilities in order to survive.

Childless families

those with no children living in the household. The number of these families is increasing as more individuals choose to remain childless. Childless families include couples who are married or cohabitating, but who have no children within the household. In some cases, childless families include more than two adults, such as when an elderly parent moves in with an adult child and his or her partner.

polygamy

which is the practice of having more than one spouse

Communication and Correcting Mistakes

-positive parenting is about guiding and teaching children. -There will be times when parents need to criticize a child or point out what the child is doing wrong. The key is that parents need to do so in a constructive way that helps children rather than a destructive way that can harm them.

communication

-"any sharing of meaning between two (or more) people." -Communication involves not only what we say, but how we say it. It involves both verbal and nonverbal language. For example, we can express love verbally by telling children that we love them, or nonverbally by giving them a hug or a smile. -One of the techniques to improve communication is to be a good listener. Children often have a great deal to say, but we may not listen closely or pay attention to what they are saying. -building a strong relationship involves really listening to what children say and then asking them relevant questions about themselves, their feelings, and their interests.

Social Issues Affecting Families: Teen Pregnancy and Parenting

-In 2005, there were 40 live births per 1,000 teen girls between the ages of 15 and 19. Although the number of births has dropped since 1991, when it was 61.8 live births per 1,000 girls, the teen pregnancy rate in the United States is still one of the highest in industrialized nations. -Studies show that teens become parents for a variety of reasons. A large number of sexually active teens report ineffective or irregular contraceptive use. This puts teens at a greater risk of an unplanned pregnancy. Studies have also shown that teenage girls are more likely to become pregnant if they experience conflict within their own families, have suffered abuse in their past, have trouble at school, or have low self-esteem. -Teen parenting presents a number of challenges, not only for the child, but also for the teen parents. Some studies suggest that teens who parent their child within their own family setting can have less difficulty than teen parents who marry at the time of the pregnancy or who opt to live alone, but this often depends on the situation within the teen mother's home and the support that she will receive there. One factor that may influence this is that it allows a teenage mother to have the support and guidance of a more experienced parent when teen parents live with their adult parents. -One of the major challenges for teenage parents is depression, stress, and anxiety. Being a parent can be very challenging and even more so for individuals who are less experienced with children. Teen parents may be attending school, working at one or more jobs to support themselves and their child, and trying to continue their social life. Teen parents may have trouble finding jobs to support themselves and their child, particularly if they have not finished high school. They may have difficulty finding childcare that is affordable or that allows them to continue to have an outside social life. Teen parents may also have more trouble fitting in with their peers given the changes and restrictions that they now have. -Teenage parenting can also affect some children. Studies indicate that younger parents often have greater difficulties in providing an environment for children that helps develop their cognitive abilities, although most children were still within normal developmental ranges. Some studies have shown that younger parents may be more negative in their interactions with their child, perhaps due to issues with stress and depression. Younger parents may also have less time as they juggle their responsibilities to spend with their child.

Social Issues Affecting Families: Media

-One concern for many families is the effect that media can have on children and the family. Increasingly, children and teens are being exposed to and using media, including television, movies, video games, and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The media may lead to effects as such poor body image, anxiety, obesity, increased sexual behavior in teens, and increased aggression or violence. - To reduce the negative effects of the media on children, experts suggest that parents take into account some important factors. -first, parents can limit the amount of time that children spend with the media. Too much television, for example, can hinder young children's development and social skills. -Second, parents can monitor the content of what their children are consuming. Some media can help children learn, but not all media is appropriate for all age groups. -Parents can help their children understand media content or use it for discussions with their children if they watch the media themselves. Studies have shown that young children will learn more from educational media when they watch it with their parents. -Finally, parents can help stimulate critical thinking in their children by discussing the media content with them. For example, parents might pause a television show or movie and ask their children what they think will happen next. They can also discuss the characters' actions and talk about alternative solutions or behaviors.

Goals and Personal Development

-Striving to reach goals is an important part of personal growth. As teens and young adults grow older, their goals and aspirations may become more defined or change completely. These goals may relate to education, future career plans, or personal achievements. Although teens and young adults will have developed greater self-reliance and self-confidence than younger children at meeting these goals, parents can still play an important role in supporting their children. -parents can help teens with is learning to set realistic goals. While we may have big dreams and goals, we need to take into consideration the steps necessary to reach those goals. For example, you may have the goal of becoming a doctor by the time you are 22. Given the amount of education and training involved, this goal is probably not realistic for most people. However, if you have a goal of going to college and then medical school, and becoming a doctor by the age of 35, this would be a realistic goal given the requirements. -Parents should be careful not to stifle the dreams of their children. When talking with children about the necessary steps to achieve a goal, parents can help create a more realistic vision of what it will take to achieve the goal. Experts recommend that parents help break goals down into small steps. Smaller steps can help children see the progress they make and provide a sense of achievement when they accomplish one or more of the steps. -Parents can also help children stick to the steps that they've set up in order to reach their goals. Through encouragement and praise, parents can help children feel that they are making progress. However, it is also important for parents to be flexible when obstacles occur.

Volunteering and Parenting

-Volunteering can be one way for children and teens to develop leadership and organizational skills. In addition, volunteering can help individuals develop their talents and give them an opportunity to learn new skills. Participating together can give parents and teens a positive connection that can help them communicate and build a strong relationship with each other. Volunteering can also offer teens and children the ability to help build their self-esteem and feel valued as they help others. -Parents can play a valuable part in helping children volunteer. Volunteering can become a positive family habit even when children are fairly young. Although some volunteer activities are not suited to younger children due to the risks involved or requiring a certain ability to perform tasks, there are still many ways for younger children to participate. For example, young children can help fill "bedtime snack" packs for the children at a local homeless shelter or domestic violence shelter. They may also be able to plant flowers, pick up trash, or help with trail maintenance at a local park -Older children may be able to read to younger children at a local library or, if they play a musical instrument, play for those in a nursing home or senior center.

Communicating with Children about Social Issues

-in some cases, communicating about social problems can be difficult for parents. They may not know what to say or they may be embarrassed to talk to their children about the issue. Children may also feel uncomfortable talking about some issues or have trouble putting their feelings about the issue into words. However, as we've discussed, keeping the lines of communication open between parents and children benefits the family and the well-being of the children. -in some cases, communicating about social problems can be difficult for parents. They may not know what to say or they may be embarrassed to talk to their children about the issue. Children may also feel uncomfortable talking about some issues or have trouble putting their feelings about the issue into words. However, as we've discussed, keeping the lines of communication open between parents and children benefits the family and the well-being of the children. -parents do need to keep in mind the age and comprehension skills of their children. Young children will not be able to understand the aspects of most social issues and will often be comforted by more simple conversations about what is happening. Older children can benefit from a calm discussion about more of the facts of the situation and how it will affect them.

Social Issues Affecting Families: Financial Issues

-in the United States, about one in every five children lives in poverty (or about 15 million children). Experts also estimate that about 42 percent of children in the United States live in low-income families. -The causes of poverty are many, but include unemployment, low wages, and illness. Most poor children have parents who work, but the work may be irregular or just not pay enough to meet the bills. Scholars note that poverty may be one of the biggest threats to a child's well-being, leading to developmental, educational, and social problems. -One of the effects on families and children that we find are due to financial issues is that families may spend less time together. Parents may need to work longer hours or multiple jobs in order to support their families. Children may spend more time unsupervised as well as having less quality time with parents. Studies show that more ineffective parenting may develop such as inconsistency, less affection, and less guidance of the children's behaviors. -To reduce some of the effects of financial stress, parents can talk to their children about the issue, using a matter-of-fact or neutral approach to the issue. Parents can also reinforce the aspects that remain the same, instead of focusing on the changes. Parents can also try to maintain the habits and traditions of the family as much as possible. Following a regular schedule and maintaining consistent expectations can help children feel secure

Social Issues Affecting Families: Separation and Divorce

-some experts believe that after the death of a close family member, divorce is one of the most stressful events for families. -Children and parents may feel a range of emotions, such as anger, sadness, anxiety, and confusion. This can impact not only emotions, but also the way that family members relate to each other and the parenting choices that are made. Studies also indicate that parenting skills may deteriorate while parents are going through a divorce, which can create more negative interactions with children. -young children under the age of five may experience increased temper tantrums, have difficulty sleeping, and have more separation anxiety. -School-aged children may feel sadness, guilt, and anger about the situation. They may become disinterested in school work and may develop phobias. -Teens may experience insecurity, sadness, and other emotions. They may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drug use, criminal activities, and unsafe sex, or destructive behaviors such as skipping school, getting into fights, and developing eating disorders. -Studies show that children adjust better to the changes of separation and divorce when parents work together to meet their children's needs. While parents should be open and honest about the situation, they also need to keep their children from having to take sides or feel as though they are caught in the middle. Active listening can help parents continue to communicate effectively with their children about what the children are experiencing and how they feel about it. Children may also benefit from counseling

Some ways that parents can help children adjust to new cultures, or deal with negative situations based on cultural bias or stereotypes

1) Be open-minded: parents can help their children adjust to a new culture by acknowledging differences between the cultures, and by being open-minded about the people and practices of the new culture. Just as people of the dominant culture can believe stereotypes and be prejudiced against an immigrating group, the immigrating family may also have preconceived notions about the people of the country to which they've moved. Keeping an open mind helps both parents and children learn about the culture they've moved to, and it allows them to adopt practices that make sense in their new environment. 2) Show confidence: moving to a new country, culture, or area can be scary for children. They may worry about not having friends, being the new kid on the block, or having to start at a new school. Parents can discuss their children's fears with them, and help them gain confidence about their ability to deal with the changes. Parents can also model self-confidence in adapting to the changes. 3) Adapt to the changes: while many families will want to retain some of the traditions and practices of their native culture or region, parents and children should be open to making changes. Life is about change, whether we move or stay in the same place. Recognizing that some changes will need to take place and embracing those changes makes the transition easier for both parents and children. 4) Find your own fit: even though many families will change when they move to a new culture or area, not everything about their past practices and traditions needs to change. Parents and children need to determine which traditions and practices are important to them, and work to maintain these traditions. At the same time, the family can add and enjoy traditions from the new culture or area. Each individual and family needs to find their comfort zone and balance between their cultures.

Communication Tips

1) Make the child the focus of your attention. When communicating with a child, we can turn off the television or movie and put down the phone.This lets the child know that we care about what he or she is saying. 2) Get down to the child's level physically. You may have already noticed how important eye contact can be when you are talking with friends. It is also important when talking with children. By getting down to the child's level, eye contact is easier and you are not towering over the child, which can be intimidating. 3) Pause or delay a conversation if you need to. Anger, frustration, and impatience can cause us to respond negatively to a child. 4) Listen carefully and respectfully. Let the child talk without interrupting and listen for the major themes or points in the story they are telling. 5) Help the child to find solutions if he or she is discussing a problem.

how can we constructively criticize children to help them learn a better way of behaving or acting?

1) Wait before criticizing out of anger. We are often most likely to criticize in nonhelpful ways when we are angry or frustrated. Before correcting a child, think about your own motivations for doing so. 2) Get the full story before jumping to conclusions. In some cases, we may only see a small part of what is happening. We see the child running and we immediately yell or criticize the child. By trying to get more information about the situation, we can sometimes avoid criticizing when we may just need to offer some alternative solutions. 3) Start a constructive criticism conversation on a positive note. With constructive criticism, the goal is to help the person improve. Comment on something that the child is doing well in relation to the aspect that needs to be improved. Make sure that whatever positive aspect you do comment on is sincere. 4) Point out the mistake subtly using "and." For example, "I love all of the colors that you use in your paintings, and if you put down some newspaper under your painting, you'll be able to keep the paint from getting on the table." The criticism is more subtle and the child now has some clear direction for correcting the problem. Experts suggest avoiding the word "but" in sentences like this (in place of the "and") as it is a negative word 5) Choose the mistakes carefully. Constantly pointing out places to improve or change can have the opposite effect that you want to produce. Choose guidance for important mistakes and let the little ones go. 6) Watch your cues. Remember that words are only part of communication. If your words are positive, but you are sending death rays through your eyes, the child is going to pick up on the negative criticism 7) Acknowledge your own mistakes. We all make mistakes and do things that we shouldn't. Learning that mistakes will happen and learning to accept constructive criticism are important life lessons that will help children throughout their lives. By discussing our mistakes with them and how we learned from them, children are given a model to follow.

nuclear family

A situation with two parents and their children. A nuclear family is sometimes referred to as a traditional family.

Junior Achievement

Founded in 1919, Junior Achievement focuses on teaching children and young adults about entrepreneurism, finances, and business. Currently, Junior Achievement, or JA, has about 10 million members in over 100 countries. The organization often uses community and business leaders to help mentor and instruct children and young adults on these topics.JA emphasizes a number of different topics and activities related to business and professional work. The program takes place in both classrooms and in after-school activities. Individuals who participate in JA learn more about starting businesses, how to manage money and business financials, and about the role of business people within the larger community. Participants may take part in the creation and management of small businesses and other ventures designed to help prepare them for the workforce and directing companies. The activities also allow students the opportunity to explore different careers, gain experience in business, and learn about professional ethics.

Extended families disadvantages

However, extended families often have less privacy within the family and, depending on the housing situation, may be overcrowded inside the home.

The Multicultural Family

In North America, we often find a blend of different cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. Increasingly, families are made up of two or more cultural backgrounds. Individuals from different cultural backgrounds may marry and form a family. Parents may adopt one or more children from a different culture. Immigrants into a country also bring with them their own cultures and practices. These cultural differences can create challenges for families. Parents from two different cultures may have differing approaches to parenting that come from their own cultural traditions.

Extended families advantages

One of the major advantages is that more people are in the household to help with family tasks, such as childcare. This arrangement helps reduce costs, with more individuals contributing income and resources to the family unit

disadvantages of nuclear families

One of the primary disadvantages is that the family can become isolated from other family members, or from the wider society. In some cases, this can create challenges in terms of finding suitable childcare or maintaining relationships with family members who live far away. Nuclear families often need to develop plans for emergencies and situations where one or both of the parents are not available.

Scouting

a youth movement and a group of loosely connected youth organizations aimed at helping young people develop physically, spiritually, and mentally. It includes the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Girl Guides, Cub Scouts, and Brownies, among other groups and organizations. There were about 41 million young people involved in scouting organizations worldwide in 2011.Many of the common activities involved with scouting are outdoor activities. Camping is one of these activities, and it can happen at the local group level or, for multiple groups, in national or regional camporees or jamborees. These larger camping experiences may include competitions or instruction in activities like fire building, first aid, and orienteering. Other activities may include horseback riding, canoeing or kayaking, hiking, backpacking, and service projects.

4-H

a youth organization administered through the US Department of Agriculture. The focus of the group is "Engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development." The four Hs referred to in the name of the organization are head, heart, hands, and health. With about 90,000 local chapters, 4-H has roughly 6.5 million members between the ages of five and nineteen.While 4-H is often traditionally thought of as agriculturally based, the organization has a much wider focus today and emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and a variety of life skills. Research on 4-H programs has shown that participants are more likely to attend college and to get better grades in school than non-members.

Boys and Girls Clubs

an organization that helps "enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens." Founded in the 1860s, the organization currently has about 4,000 chapters and about 4 million participants. Many individuals served by the organization come from at-risk populations such as children and teens living in higher crime areas or in low income families. The local clubs offer participants a safe place for children and young adults who might otherwise be left alone after school, or who may need help or assistance in other areas.Local Boys and Girls Clubs offer a safe place for children and young adults to find activities, recreation, and other services. One of the primary goals of the organization is the personal and character development and growth of its participants. Clubs may offer a range of activities and opportunities for participants, including career and educational programs and activities

Stereotypes

assumed beliefs about a group of people. They are often very generalized and simplified ideas about a particular group. You have probably heard a number of stereotypes about different racial/ethnic groups, age groups, or men and women. For example, you may have heard the stereotype that women are bad drivers, or that teenagers are irresponsible. While these assumed beliefs are sometimes true, there are many cases in which they are false. Stereotypes are sometimes confused with prejudice

single-parent families

faced stigmas and negative attitudes from other members of society. Although this is changing, some parents and children still have to deal with negative or hurtful remarks and attitudes from others. Single parents may also feel more isolated or have more challenges in finding support or help when needed. At the same time, single parents may find it easier to be consistent with expectations and consequences. The home situation may also provide less conflict than before the parents were divorced.

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)

formed in 1981 by a group of Massachusetts students. The group was originally formed to educate youths about the dangers of drinking and driving and the use of illegal substances, and its original name was Students Against Drunk Driving. The organization focused on creating peer-to-peer change in high schools and colleges around North America. During this time, the focus of the group was on underage drinking, illegal drug use, and drunk driving. From 1981 to 1990, the group helped reduce the number of teens killed in drunk driving accidents from 6,000 to 2,000.group decided to change its name from Students Against Drunk Driving to Students Against Destructive Decisions, based on requests from SADD student members to broaden the focus of the organization. While the organization still uses a "No Use" message about drugs and alcohol, it also educates and discusses other issues that can be destructive for young people

Free the Children

has raised money to help children around the world gain more education and better their lives. Monies are used to build schools and give communities greater access to clean water. Working in seven countries (China, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Ecuador, Sierra Leone, Kenya, and India), the organization has helped build 650 schools, educating over 55,000 students each day.The organization uses the concept of "children helping children." The success of the organization points to the positive difference that young people can have both in their own communities and around the world.

Family composition

refers to the makeup of a family, including the number of members, their ages, and their relationships to each other

Cultural bias

the interpretation or judgment of practices by the standards of one's own culture. For example, we may look at a different cultural practice and consider it wrong because it is not the way we handle a particular concern.

advantages of nuclear families

the presence of more than one adult can mean an increase in family income along with support for each parent as he or she navigates a balance between parenting, work, and other responsibilities. With fewer people to support within the family, families may be able to afford better housing or other material goods. Nuclear families may have a clearer direction with parenting (such as expectations and consequences) than when more individuals are involved in the process. The family members typically have more privacy, both within the family and from individuals outside the family.

Personal Growth

the process of gaining skills, knowledge, and experiences that can enhance your life, contribute to achieving your full potential, and help you reach your goals or aspirations. Personal growth can include aspects such as improving self-confidence, developing talents or skills, strengthening personal identity, developing social skills, and taking positive steps to reach a goal. There are many ways that we as individuals can contribute to our own personal growth or development, and these activities tend to benefit not only us, but the people around us as well. -The foundations of positive parenting, in fact, create a family situation where parents can encourage and support their children while helping to teach them what they will need in order to achieve their goals and aspirations. -By setting up clear expectations, communicating with children about them, and using consequences that fit a specific behavior, parents can help their children learn to be responsible for their own actions. The process can help children understand that we all make mistakes and that we need to take responsibility for our mistakes. Through this, children can learn to assess the possible consequences of their behavior and determine the best course of action in various situations. -Parents and other caregivers can also help support personal development and growth by encouraging children to try new things and to improve on activities that they engage in. -parents can also discourage personal development and growth if they go overboard in pushing for development or are insincere in their support.

Extended families

those with multiple generations living under one roof. For example, an extended family might consist of an elderly mother living with her daughter's family, or grandchildren living with their grandparents. Extended families can consist of parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and so on. Some scholars also consider families with non-related individuals living in them as extended families.