Family

Of all human groups the family is the most important primary group.  It is the simplest and the most elementary form of society.  It is an outstanding primary group because it is in the family that the child develops his/her basic attitudes.  It provides the most enduring relationship in the one form or another.  It is a small social group consisting ordinarily of a father, mother and one or more children.  The word "Family" has been taken over from the Roman word "Famulus" which means servant.

A family is every child's first connection to the world.  As a child gets older, a family should provide a safe environment from which to explore and to which he or she can return.

The family provides an important sense of belonging for every member.  Our family values help us shape our own personal values and morals – which in turn helps define who we are and how we make our way in society.

Within a healthy family, the role of a child is to be a child, meaning that they hold less power than their parent, parents, or caregiver(s). In a healthy family system, a child's physical and emotional development are nurtured by a parent(s) or caregiver(s). Children may have certain expectations asked of them depending on their unique family system.