Applying Life Skills ©2010

Chapter 9: Building Strong Families

Chapter Summaries

Families provide for members' physical and emotional needs. The family unit is also where children first learn social skills and moral values. There are many different family structures and cultures but all families share the same basic functions. Most families go through the same predictable stages of change. This is called the family life cycle.

From young to old, every member of a family fulfills several roles and has many responsibilities. Strong families have common characteristics that foster family bonds. Showing understanding, respect, responsibility, and appreciation can help you improve relationships with your family members. Spending quality time with family members can help you build relationships that last a lifetime.