WJEC GCSE Home Eco - Child Development

1 a) Name three different types of families. (3) b) Complete the following table to name the different types of family. (4) Description Type of family A family where the children are brought up by either mum or dad. A family where the child or children live with both parents. A family where parents, grandparents and other relatives live together or close to each other. A family where mum and dad are not the natural parents but they are legally responsible for the child. 2. In today’s society there are many different types of family structure. Discuss the impact of these different structures on family life. (10) To gain maximum marks for question 2 you need to discuss both advantages and disadvantages for three or four family structures. Tip This is the first advantage listed. You need to list both advantages and disadvantages – like this one. Advantage Disadvantage Advantage Nuclear family You can choose when to visit the extended family so there may be no interference from family on a daily basis as they do not li ve in the same house. Special effort and hard work will be needed to develop close family relationships so children and grandparents may not have such a close relationship. If emergency childcare is needed this may not be available and the grandparents may not be available to look af ter children so childcare will have to be paid for. Extended family Due to the close proximity of family members there will be lots of people to offer help and advice and gi ve childcare support. Unfortunately this could lead to unwanted advice being gi ven, causing conflict over different child- rearing me thods. Close family relationships can be formed, with children having relati ves to play with, but on the downside there could be a lack of pri vacy and independence. Step-family The family may have a bet ter quality of life as there may be more income. Children will have both male and female role models with the care being shared, but on a negati ve side the children may not bond with the step-parent or get on with any step-brothers or sisters which could cause friction within the family. Some children may have limited access to their biological parent with the movement between two homes being unset tling. Expectations over behaviour and discipline could be different between the parents. Disadvantage Examination questions 32 Topic 1: Family and Child