5 FAMILY TYPES AND STRESS : NEVER RUN OUT OF SANITY!

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Family structure has changed dramatically over the last 50 years.

There are five specific types of family structures identified by society today-

Nuclear Family-

It is the traditional type of family structure. This family type consists of two parents and children.

Single-Parent Family-

It consists of one parent raising one or more children on his own. This family may include a single mother with her children or a single dad with his kids. The single parent family is the biggest change society has seen in terms of the changes in family structures

Extended Family or Joint Family-

The extended family structure consists of two or more adults who are related, either by blood or marriage, living in the same home. This family includes many relatives living together and working towards common goals, such as raising the children and keeping up with the household duties. Many extended families include cousins, aunts or uncles and grandparents living together.

Step Families-

Over half of all marriages end in divorce, and many of these individuals choose to get remarried. This creates the step or blended family which involves two separate families merging into a new unit and the child being shared by two families or in custody of any one parent.

Grandparent Families-

Many grandparents today are raising their grandchildren for a variety of reasons. This could be due to parents’ death, addiction, abandonment or being unfit parents. Many grandparents need to go back to work or find additional sources of income to help raise their grandchildren.

All the imperfections a family has, can lead to an overload of stress. Some of the issues faced by families, that can create stress for students, including divorce, family finances, and poor communication. At the same time family may also help a student to cope with his/her anxiety and use the stressful situations in a way that benefits them.