Family Members, Their Roles and Family Unity for Primary 1

Roles of Members of the Family

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. list members of the nuclear and extended family;
2. explain the role of each member of the family;
3. mention ways boys and girls can be treated equally in the family;
4. state ways to promote unity in the family.

What is a Family?

A family is a group of people who are related to each other and live together or are connected by love and care.

Families are very important because they provide love, care and support for all their members. Every person belongs to a family.

Members of the Family

There are different types of families. The two main types are the nuclear family and the extended family.

The Nuclear Family

A nuclear family is a small family that includes only a father, a mother and their children.

This type of family is also called a small family. They usually live together in one house.

Members of a nuclear family include:

1. Father
2. Mother
3. Children (boys and girls)

The Extended Family

An extended family is a large family that includes the father, mother, children, and other relatives like grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

These family members may live together in the same house or in different houses but still share a strong bond.

Members of an extended family include:

1. Father
2. Mother
3. Children
4. Grandfather
5. Grandmother
6. Uncles
7. Aunts
8. Cousins
9. Other relatives

Roles of Family Members

Every member of the family has important roles to play. A role is a job or duty that a person has in the family. These roles help the family to live happily and smoothly.

Role of the Father

The father is usually the head of the family. Important roles of the father include:

1. Providing money for the family’s needs, like food, clothes, and school fees.
2. Protecting the family and keeping them safe.
3. Teaching children good manners and helping them with their studies.
4. Loving and caring for the mother and children.

Role of the Mother

The mother also has very important roles in the family. Important roles of the mother include:

1. Cooking food for the family.
2. Taking care of the children and teaching them.
3. Keeping the house clean and tidy.
4. Loving and caring for the father and children.
5. Helping to provide for the family’s needs.

Roles of Children (Boys and Girls)

Children also have roles to play in the family. These roles help their parents and make the home a better place. Roles of children include:

1. Obeying their parents and elders.
2. Helping with house chores, like sweeping, washing plates, and running errands.
3. Studying hard and doing well in school.
4. Respecting everyone in the family.
5. Loving and caring for their parents and siblings.

Roles of Grandparents, Uncles, and Aunts (in Extended Family)

In an extended family, other members also have roles:

1. Grandparents: They share wisdom, tell stories, and help care for the children. They also teach children about family history and culture.
2. Uncles and Aunts: They support the parents, help with advice, and sometimes help with children’s needs. They also visit and celebrate with the family.

Treating Boys and Girls Equally in the Family

Treating boys and girls equally means giving them the same love, care, opportunities, and responsibilities, regardless of whether they are a boy or a girl.

It is important for all children to feel loved and valued. Here are ways boys and girls can be treated equally in the family:

1. Sharing Chores: Both boys and girls should help with all types of house chores, like sweeping, washing dishes, fetching water, and cleaning. No chore is only for a boy or only for a girl.
2. Going to School: Both boys and girls should be sent to school and given the chance to learn and get an education.
3. Playing Together: Boys and girls should be allowed to play different games and toys together.
4. Receiving Love and Care: Both boys and girls should receive the same amount of love, attention, and care from their parents and elders.
5. Having a Say: Children should be allowed to express their thoughts and feelings, and their opinions should be heard.
6. Equal Opportunities: Both boys and girls should be given equal chances to do things, like learning a skill or participating in family activities.

Promoting Unity in the Family

Family unity means that all family members live together in peace, love, and understanding. They support each other and work together.

A united family is a happy family. Here are ways to promote unity in the family:

1. Eating Together: Families should try to eat meals together, especially dinner. This is a good time to talk and share about the day.
2. Playing Together: Family members should spend time playing games, telling stories, or doing fun activities together.
3. Helping Each Other: When one family member needs help, others should be ready to assist. For example, children can help parents with chores, and older siblings can help younger ones with homework.
4. Showing Love and Affection: Family members should show love by hugging, saying kind words, and caring for each other.
5. Respecting Elders: Children should respect their parents, grandparents, and other older family members.
6. Forgiving Each Other: When mistakes happen, family members should learn to forgive each other and move on.
7. Praying Together: Families can pray together, which helps to strengthen their bond and faith.

Drawing a Family Tree

A family tree is a diagram that shows how members of a family are related to each other. It helps to see who your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins are.

Drawing a family tree is a fun way to learn about your family history. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Start with Yourself: Draw a small circle or box at the bottom of a page and write your name inside it.
2. Add Your Parents: Draw two circles or boxes above yours, one for your mother and one for your father. Draw lines connecting them to your circle.
3. Add Your Siblings: If you have brothers or sisters, draw circles or boxes next to yours and connect them to your parents’ line.
4. Add Your Grandparents: Above your mother’s circle, draw two circles for her parents (your maternal grandparents). Do the same above your father’s circle for his parents (your paternal grandparents). Connect them with lines.
5. Add Uncles and Aunts: If your parents have brothers or sisters, draw circles for them next to your parents’ circles and connect them to your grandparents’ lines.
6. Add Cousins: If your uncles and aunts have children, draw circles for them below their parents and connect them.
7. Write Names: Write the name of each family member in their circle or box.
8. Decorate: You can use different colours, pictures, or drawings to make your family tree beautiful.