The Only Thing Constant is Change

Family structures across America, and even the world, are changing: “For a variety of reasons, the portion of the population in other types of family structures such as blended families, dual-custody divorced families, grandparents raising grandchildren, teen parents, and single-parent families has dramatically increased over the past several decades” (Wardle & Fitzpatrick, 2013, section 2.1, Introduction). It is important that we are aware of these changes and the influence they have on the learning environment so that we are able to support each of the families we work with.

To prepare for this discussion,

• Please refer to the Week 2 Guidance for further tips and examples that will support your success with this discussion.
• Read Chapter 2: Today’s Family Structures in Children & Families: Understanding Behavior & Dynamics.
• Read the article The American Family TodayLinks to an external site..
• Read the article Teaching Strategies: Models of InclusionLinks to an external site..

In your initial post,

• Summarize at least two major trends in how family structures are changing.
• Explain how these trends will impact your work as you support children and their families when working with children in inclusive settings.
• Choose one of the family structures shared in the reading (single parent, step-families, etc.) and describe at least two specific strategies you will use to support children who live in these family structures.