In spite of the increased individual mobility and the ever-changing lifestyles that typify the contemporary society, the family is still perceived as the central component of the modern life. In the U.S, a conventional family structure incorporates a family support system typified by two married people providing stability and care for their biological progenies (Brownson, 2009). However, the two-parent family structure is becoming less prevalent thereby, paving the way for other alternative family forms. A family is often developed at birth, and it establishes ties through generations (extended families). Neely (2011) notes that through the years, the trans-structure has had to adjust to various significant transitions, and these include divorce, the development of single-parent families, unwed mothers, teenage pregnancies, same-sex marriages, and the growing interest in children adoption. Social campaigns have played a significant role in the establishment of alternative types of family structures, thereby, creating new forms of the American family.
A nuclear family otherwise referred to as a conjugal family or elementary family is a family grouping composed of two parents and their subsequent offspring (Mulhere, 2015). Nuclear families are typically centered on a married couple; this family form was long held in esteem by the society as the ideal family structure especially when it comes to raising children. In a nuclear family, children always receive stability and strength and have many opportunities to succeed due to the financial ease of the two parents. According to the United States Census information, approximately seventy percent of children live under a nuclear family unit (Mulhere, 2015).
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A nuclear family has various unique features. First, it is typified by stability and strength among children. Young individuals born into marriage often tend to experience more stability than offspring born into cohabitation. Approximately twenty percent of children born to married adults experience divorce, and fifty percent of children born in cohabiting family units experience divorce (Galens, 2014). Secondly, a primary feature of the nuclear family unit is consistency which subsequently enhances behavioral success. A successful nuclear family unit provides offspring with caretaking consistency. Children with consistency and stability in their lives are likely to earn excellent school grades, exhibit positive behaviors, and participate in extracurricular and community activities. Thirdly, nuclear families are more likely to be financially stable as opposed to other family units; this consequently guarantees more opportunities for their offspring. According to Brownson (2009), about fifty-seven percent of households with married guardians were above the poverty line. Single-parent households above the poverty line amounted to approximately twenty-one percent. Lastly, nuclear families are typified by good communication skills. Communication amid nuclear family members often features a few distractions and obstacles.
One major challenge that may arise when working with the nuclear families is the aspect of poor social interactive skills due to exclusion. Although nuclear family models promote strong bonding experiences for its immediate family members, studies reveal that these individuals often feel secluded from their extended relatives and family members and this subsequently impacts their skills in social interaction (Galens, 2014). Secondly, according to Galens (2014), exhaustion or burnout may be prevalent during the interaction; this challenge may be attributed to the adults’ attempts to meet every individual’s needs. The attempts to balance the demands of one’s family, work and relations without outside help may lead to anxiety, depression, stress, and other health issues. Lastly, difficulties in conflict resolution may be prevalent when interacting with members of the nuclear family. Conflicts form a significant part of every family unit. However, in nuclear families, partners often fight amid themselves and are usually left with few solutions to enhance the resolution of the prevailing conflict. The adults often lack adult support, and this subsequently leaves them with dejection and stress due to the inability to combat their issues in a confident and balanced manner.
To remedy these challenges, I would advise them to plan their free time effectively; this allows them to prepare a listing of the tasks to be completed during their free time, focus on their professional commitments during the week, and encourage their interaction with other family members and friends. Secondly, I would advise them to pre-plan their schedules to enhance the successful accomplishment of tasks as a remedy for exhaustion and burnouts. Lastly, I would educate them on the art of conflict resolution.
Some of the interpersonal skills that would help me connect with individuals from nuclear families include excellent communication skills in both speaking, listening and assertiveness skills which would allow me to express myself adequately, conflict resolution skills, and anger management skills. Some of the effective teaching strategies to be used when interacting with nuclear family members include behavior management, cooperative learning, and professional development. Cooperative learning is aimed at promoting the individuals’ mixed capacities to work together through promoting small grouping or class activities (Mulhere, 2015). The implementation of an effective behavior management strategy will aid in gaining the students’ respect and ensuring that students have an equal opportunity to attain their full potential. Incorporating regular professional development programs allows students to gain inspiration from other academic platforms.
In conclusion, Families often offer security, companionship, and a measure of protection against the non-sympathetic world. A nuclear family is a family grouping composed of two parents and their subsequent offspring. Characteristics of nuclear families include stability and strength, practical communication skills, financial stability, and consistency. Challenges that may arise during one’s interaction with nuclear family units include the lack of social interaction skills, exhaustion, and poor conflict resolution skills; these challenges can, however, be remedied. To effectively connect with these families one may incorporate various interpersonal and teaching strategies.
References
Brownson, K. (2009). Protecting two generations: The need to preserve and expand services for New York City’s pregnant and parenting students. New York Civil Liberties Union . Retrieved from https://www.nyclu.org/sites/default/files/publications/nyclu_pub_protecting_two_generations.pdf
Galens, B. P (2014). Tips for Teachers Working with Unique Family Structures. Concordia University . Retrieved from https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/curriculum-teaching-strategies/tips-for-teachers-working-with-unique-family-structures/
Mulhere, K. (2015, Feb. 25). Family Influence on Education. Inside Higher Ed . Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/02/25/report-marks-growing-educational-disadvantage-children-single-parent-families
Neely, A. (2011). Teenage parents and their educational attainment. SEDL . Retrieved from http://www.sedl.org/txcc/resources/briefs/number5/index.html
