Working with Single-Parent and Blended Families - Chapter 4

Question 1

Define: custodial parent

Answer 1

• the parent with primary custody of a child.

Question 2

Define: joint custody

Answer 2

• an arrangement where both divorced parents assume equal custody of their children.

Question 3

Define: noncustodial parent

Answer 3

• a parent who does not have primary physical custody of a child, but still has the same rights as the custodial parent.

Question 4

Define: parentified child

Answer 4

• a child who is given privileges and responsibilities developmentally inconsistent with their age.
• these kids are forced to give up childhood and act like a parent

Question 5

Define: Parents Without Partners

Answer 5

• a national organization that helps single parents and their kids deal with single-parent family life, using education and experiential methods.

Question 6

Define: premarital counseling

Answer 6

• working with a couple to enhance their relationship prior to marriage.

Question 7

Define: quasi kin

Answer 7

• a formerly married person’s ex-spouse, the ex-spouse’s new spouse, and their blood kin.

Question 8

Name the 4 types of single-parent families:

Answer 8

• Single parenthood from divorce
• single parenthood from death
• single parenthood by choice
• single parenthood from temporary circumstance (military deployment)

Question 9

In a single-parent household resulting from death, what are the 2 major tasks fro the surviving parent?

Answer 9

• reestablishment of the parent’s life

- restructuring of the family

Question 10

Family development after parental death follows 3 stages:

Answer 10

1. Mourning stage
2. Readjustment stage
3. Renewal and accomplishment stage

Question 11

Name 4 strengths of single-parent families:

Answer 11

• Tend to be democratic
• Family members are often flexible when it comes to roles and rules, because of limited resources.
• Kids go through developmental stages more quickly
• Are creative in locating and using resources

Question 12

Name 5 challenges of single-parent families:

Answer 12

• Defining and refining boundaries and roles to prevent role reversal/role overload
• Less educational achievement
• Trouble establishing a clear and strong identity and fully experiencing childhood.
• Experiencing poverty
• Dealing with feelings, being emotionally stuck in the past.

Question 13

Research has found that what 2 factors predict that couples are likely to divorce?

Answer 13

• A husband’s unwillingness to be influenced by his wife.

- Wife starts quarrels with hostility.

Question 14

2/3 of divorces occur in the first _____ years of marriage.

Answer 14

• 10

Question 15

List 4 times when marriage is vulnerable to divorce:

Answer 15

• During the first 2 years as the couples adjusts to living with each other.
• After the birth of a child.
• In the first 7 years.
• 16-24 years into marriage.

Question 16

What are 5 STRENGTHS of blended families?

Answer 16

• Members bring different life experiences to table
• Kin and Quasi-kin networks
• Creativity and Innovativeness
• Appreciation and Respect for Differences
• Ability to make the most of situations

Question 17

What are 5 challenges of Blended Families?

Answer 17

• Loss of important family members
• Establishment of hierarchy
• Boundary difficulties
• Resolving feelings
• Economic problems

Question 18

What are 4 ways therapists can help blended families?

Answer 18

• Guidance in retaining old loyalties
• Focus on parental involvement
• Providing education
• Help family create new family traditions and rituals