Family LifeFamily LifeFamily LifeWhat is a Family?What is a Family?

March 2009

Troop 171Mooresville, NC

Piedmont CouncilBoy Scouts of America

2Merit Badge Card Front of card:

Number Requirements put in block (1-7) Application For Merit Badge.Name Check Boy Scout of Troop 171 Gemstone District Piedmont Council

Back of card: Fill Out all three sections.

Merit Badge Name & Name of Counselor (Me) Next sectionYour Name & Merit Badge Next sectionApplicant Name, Troop 171, Merit Badge

PASS THEM UP TO THE FRONT WHEN DONE!!

3Requirement Summary Will complete today:

Requirements #1, #2, #6 A , #7 A & B

Requirement #4 ,#5 & 6 B To be completed at home Will discuss examples for you to follow

March 16th Completion Requirement #3 If you started on December 17th with chore list.

Schedule Board of Review March 17th and on.

Tell me Tell me Tell me What a family is?What a family is?What a family is?

What makes up the family?What makes up the family?

5What is a family? Its made up of people who care about one another. All members of a family give and receive love and support. Members share both happy and sad times together. Members support each other in the daily grinds of the day.

Strong families are the foundation of strong communities. Families need a strong foundation. The strong foundation comes from the individuals who

support it; mom, dad, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, grand parents etc.

6Types of Families

Name any of the types of families in the merit badge book.

7Types of Families Nuclear Family- father, mother & children.

Extended Family- members beyond the nuclear family like aunts, uncles, grand parents.

Single Parent- one parent with children

Blended Family- step parents, step brothers or step sisters

Adoptive Family- family with children who are not biologically linked.

Childless Family- couple with no children

8Who is your family? Who are the members of your own family? Is your family small or large?

Families provide shelter, food, and clothing. They make you feel safe and loved. They want you to be the best person you can be. No matter what your age is, you can make the most of your family life and help your family grow strong.

In order for your family to strengthen, you need to build bridges of mutual respect and love. This is the only way a family can flourish and be happy.

9Positive Family Traits These are the most important traits that will form and

maintain a strong family.

Love Security Acceptance/Respect

Mutual Trust Good Relationship/Communication

Shared Roles/Responsibilities Cooperation

Time Together Good Management Skills

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Love Families show love many ways:

Care about feelings Share each others hurts Solve problems together Always being there when needed Using special words or phrases Telling each other they love one another Going out of your way to help Being patient

What are other examples?

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Security

This refers to the physical and psychological safety.

Encouragement given Guidance and training Support These items make family members feel

safe and secure.

What would happen to the family or members if this is not present?

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Acceptance & Respect Part of growing up is learning to accept and respect

yourself and others.

Do you live by the Scout Law? Are you dependable and honest? Always prepared to help your family, neighbors & friends? Positive Attitude? Are you enjoyable to be around? How important is your family to you? Do you help your younger brothers/sisters? Do you support family traditions? Do you tell your family you love them? Are you willing to help around the house? Do you offer help without being asked?

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Mutual Trust

Trust is something that must be earned. It does not happen unless the following is done;

Keeping your word Be truthful always Be reliable, caring & unselfish Make good decisions Do what you say your going to do

Trustworthy is a key component of the Scout Law.

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Good Relationship/Communication Skills Good communication helps prevent misunderstandings. People sometimes talk to much and listen to little! People communicate their thoughts better than their

feelings.

Need to communicate feelings, for better understanding. Send clear messages with feelings.

Ex I really feel angry that you are not letting me go to the movies tonight. Instead of sayingyou are the meanest person in the whole world

Do not Criticize! Do not judge.quick judgments are usually wrong. Do not label people as lazy, sloppy, slow, mean stupid etc.

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Shared Roles/Responsibility Managing a home is a lot of work

All members need to pull their weight (their share).

Need to complete chores timely Step up and do more than asked Work as a team to get large

projects completed. Sometimes you need to do other

members work when they are pulled away for other types of family support. Parents work, after school sports,

after school work etc.

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Cooperation/Interdependence

The family needs cooperation. Working as a team.

Areas you can support the family; Keep your room neat and clean, make bed, hang up your clothes,

put all belongings away, clean the floor, keep surfaces clean. Family Meals- set and clear table, help prepare the meal, assist

with meal plans, carry groceries, sweep floor. General Chores- take out trash, wash family cars, clean

bathroom, dust and vacuum, mop the floors, care for pets. Laundry- wash, fold clothes. Yard Work- clean up yard, cut lawn etc. Special Projects- above and beyond daily chores.

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Special Projects

What are some special projects that you can do around the house to benefit the family?

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Special Projects?

Create new storage areas in your room. Organize clothes in your closet. Paint a room in the house. Prepare a family meal on your own. Clean and organize the garage. Wash all windows in the house. Mulch the flower beds. Weed the flower beds Give the family pet a bath. Do the laundry for another family member.

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Time Spent Together To help other people at all times Family projects are a great time for

families to spend quality time together accomplishing something.

Requirement 5 is planning a family project and completing it.

What are good projects for the family to work on together?

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Family Projects?

Neighborhood project cleaning up trash Plan and conduct a family garage sale. Create a new family tradition? Family night Fridays? Work in the soup kitchen as a family to help community. Family to bake items for a bake sale at church. Maybe

volunteer to work the sale. Clean the basement, to make room for a game room. Work together on a photo album of the family. Volunteer family for a church, town, city project. Family project of planting flowers and mulching the beds.

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Setting Up The Project Planning

What needs to be done What will be done. Why? Do you have all supplies.

Performing What activity decided on? How will you do it? Who will do what? When will it be done?

Reflect on Accomplishment What got accomplished? How did you & family feel? How could you improve it? How has the project made you feel?

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Good Management Skills Effectively managing a family requires time and money

management skills.

Time management: Setting goals and priorities helps the family to stay on track. Pitching in as a team to get things done. Set tasks that can be accomplished. Schedule relaxation time to rejuvenate the body. Use To Do Lists mark off completed tasks. Schedule difficult tasks when you are rested and can tackle. Be flexible, but effective I getting tasks done.

What is the best use of my time right now??

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Good Management Skills Effectively managing a family requires time and money

management skills.

Money is important to survive, but it is not the most important thing in life. Your family, friends and faith are much more important.

Money Mgt:

Income: money coming in, allowance, job, gifts, sale items. Expenses: money spent on items wanted, needed. Savings: what you save up for another day.

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Money Mgt Tips Develop Budgets: plan for spending and

keep to that plan. After awhile you will save expected dollars.

Limit Impulse Purchases: you may see something you did not plan for, it may be at check out counter etc. Need to limit these, they ruin a budget.

Avoid Shopping for Emotion: never buy things to make you feel better, solve the problem.

Stay Within Budget: if you go over, you need to earn more or spend less.

The Family MeetingThe Family MeetingThe Family Meeting

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Family Meeting Guidelines Include all family members Set a day, time and place in advance Keep the day and time the same weekly One person should lead the discussion Leaders should rotate who are old

enough One person takes notes on the meeting Always have an agenda

Always recap the previous meeting held Stay focused on the topics at hand

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Meeting Ground Rules Topics should be about situations Do not make issues about individuals Prevent anger and hard feelings Do not bring up negative past issues Listen without interrupting others Raise hand to speak, no outbursts No criticisms or judgments Offer suggestions for solutions

Always end the meeting with each member stating one good thing happening in the family.

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The Problem-Solving Process Identify The Problem- make sure all parties understand the

issues or problem at hand within the family.

Identify Options- come up with different solutions. Use a suggestion box if you have one to generate new ideas.

Evaluate Options- what are the strengths and weaknesses of each idea. Review all options and make sure they are valid

Choose The Best Option- use the process of elimination.

Make A Plan- set up steps to be taken. Who needs to do what, when , where. Put in writing.

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Conflict Resolution

Bring all issues out in open. Keep emotions under control. Avoid blaming, accusations, or name

calling.

Sometimes you need time to yourself to think through issue.

Use problem solving process to resolve daily conflicts. Do Not let issues get out of hand!

Family Meeting Family Meeting Family Meeting Topics? Topics? Topics?

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What are some meeting topics that could be

discussed?

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EXAMPLES:

The dangers of drugs and substance abuse. Personal and Family finances. Crises within the family (various types) The effect of technology (e-mail, internet, mobile

phones, abuse of technology) Understanding the growing up process, how the

body changes and making responsible decisions.

Dangers of Drugs Dangers of Drugs Dangers of Drugs andandand

Substance Abuse Substance Abuse Substance Abuse

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Dangers of Drugs/Substance Abuse Peer pressure can influence a lot of

people who want to be accepted. Be strong, be yourselfsay no!!! Drugs do harm to your mind and

body Cigarettes, Alcohol & Drugs do not

make you cool, they abuse your body.

Chose friends carefully, a true friend would not try and talk you into trying drugs or other substances.

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Harmful Substances Can: Interfere with learning and impair your performance with

things you do. Cause behavior problems, mood changes, and sleep

disturbances. Slow you down and impair your ability to think things

through. You can not make clear and sound decisions. Interrupt healthy physical development and limit athletic

abilities. Lead to the physical and emotional abuse of other family

members or friends. TAKE A STAND AGAINST DRUGS Drugs and alcohol affect people in different ways

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Signs of a Substance Abuser Dilated pupils, flushed skin, and a tired, sloppy or disheveled

appearance. Behavioral changes such as moodiness, irritability, unreasonable

bursts of temper, or wanting to be alone much of the time. A change in friends A change in study habits often accompanied by falling grades or

truancy (skipping school) Irregular eating habits Memory lapses and blackouts Evidence of drug paraphernalia Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed Changes in sleep patterns

Crises Within the Crises Within the Crises Within the Family Family Family

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Crises in the Family Crisis can affect all family members.

The crisis may cause additional stress when: There are a number of stressful events at the same time. There are a number of family members involved in the crisis. The family struggles with identifying, relating to, and handling

the event. The resources available to the family for dealing with the crises

are limited or not easily accessible.

What are some examples of crisis that can affect the family? How would you handle it?

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Technology-Effects the Family Technology can make life easier.

Technology can also assist you missing a lot of other things. It can waste precious time in your life.

You can spend too much time on computers and cell phones. Use wisely.

Internet safety- never give your full name, address, phone number, school name, town you live in, sports team you are on etc to strangers.

Keep your cell phone close to you. Easily stolen and used for overseas calls. Also a lot of personal info on them.

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Growing Up Process Adolescence- time between childhood and

becoming an adult.

You are to young or to old for things, it is a frustrating time.

Hormones (substance in body that controls your bodies growth). They are at a very high level. This time in life is puberty. Facial hair, arm pit hair, body hair etc is growing and showing.

Intellectual changes are taking place to. Face more choices, make difficult decisions etc.

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Growing Up cont.

Friendships with boys or girls help you: Understand different points of view. Develop social skills and friendships. Develop positive aspects of own personality.

Abstinence Before Marriage Is BestSign of maturityRespect young women and want the best for both of you.Do not want a child before you are ready, fully responsible.You need to be emotionally, socially, and financially prepared to have a child.

Your Future Family Your Future Family Your Future Family

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Future Family Factors that help young

couples determine readiness for a family:

Age Social Experience Emotional Maturity Financial Security Education Goals and Desires

Open and Honesty Be yourself

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Responsibilities of Parenthood Take Care of Physical Needs- food, clothing, and shelter.

Children need nutritious food and diet in order to be healthy.

Provide Love & Emotional Support- love children unconditionally. Children need to know they are loved.

Guidance & Discipline- set proper limits, give direction. Providing Protection- know where children are at all times.

They are safe under your care. Economic Support- financial support of the family. Healthcare Needs- doctor visits, adequate healthcare. Share Time, Talent Ideas- Communication with children. Teaching Independence- children help around house, teach

responsibility.

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Responsibilities of Parenthood Teaching Social Skills- children taught how to behave

around others, in society. Educational & Recreational Experiences- reading, playing

games, educate with books etc. Teaching Values- pass down family beliefs down to children. Preserving Cultural Traditions.

Merit Badge Merit Badge Merit Badge RequirementsRequirementsRequirements

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Requirement #1 What is a Family?

Why are families important to individuals and society?

How can the actions of one member affect other members?

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Requirement #2

List several reasons you are important to your family:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

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Requirement #6 A

Discuss with your merit badge counselor how to plan and carry out a family meeting. Give a brief summary about what you would discuss:

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Requirement #7 A & B

Discuss with your counselor your understanding of what makes an effective father and why. Give a brief summary of your discussion:

What are your thoughts on the fathers role in the family?

Discuss with your counselor your understanding of the responsibilities of a parent. Give a brief summary of your discussion:

HOMEWORK!HOMEWORK!HOMEWORK!

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Requirement #4 With the approval of your parents or guardians

and your merit badge counselor, decide on and carry out a project that you would do around the house that would benefit your family. Submit a report to your merit badge counselor outlining how the project benefited your family.

Fill out merit badge guide!

Expected Completion Date_____________?

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Requirement #5 Plan and carry out a project that involves the

participation of your family. After completing the project, discuss the following with your merit badge counselor:

A) The objective or goal of the project B) How individual members of your

family participated C) The results of the project

Fill out merit badge guide!

Estimated Completion Date____________________?

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Requirement #6 B B) Plan and carry out a family meeting to include

the following subjects: 1) Avoiding substance abuse 2) Understanding the growing-up process and

how the body changes, and making responsible decisions dealing with sex

3) Personal and family finances 4) A crisis situation within your family 5) The effect of technology on your

family Fill out merit badge guide!

Estimated Completion Date_____________________?

Family LifeMerit Badge CardRequirement SummaryTell me What a family is?What is a family?Types of FamiliesTypes of FamiliesWho is your family?Positive Family TraitsLoveSecurityAcceptance & RespectMutual TrustGood Relationship/Communication SkillsShared Roles/ResponsibilityCooperation/InterdependenceSpecial ProjectsSpecial Projects?Time Spent TogetherFamily Projects?Setting Up The ProjectGood Management SkillsGood Management SkillsMoney Mgt TipsThe Family MeetingFamily Meeting GuidelinesMeeting Ground RulesThe Problem-Solving ProcessConflict ResolutionFamily Meeting Topics? What are some meeting topics that could be discussed?Dangers of Drugs and Substance Abuse Dangers of Drugs/Substance AbuseHarmful Substances Can:Signs of a Substance AbuserCrises Within the Family Crises in the Family Technology-Effects the FamilyGrowing Up ProcessGrowing Up cont.Your Future Family Future FamilyResponsibilities of ParenthoodResponsibilities of ParenthoodMerit Badge RequirementsRequirement #1Requirement #2Requirement #6 A Requirement #7 A & B HOMEWORK!Requirement #4Requirement #5Requirement #6 B