Relationship in the Family – JSS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A family is a group of people made up of one or two parents and their children, who live together and care for one another.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. State the meaning of family.
2. Name the two types of family.
3. Explain what a family name is.
4. State the roles of the husband, the wife and the children in the family.
5. Suggest ways of improving relationships in the family.

What is a family?

A family is a group of people made up of one or two parents and their children.

• Parents: the father and the mother, who head the home.
• Children: the sons and daughters of the parents.
• Relationship: members are joined by birth, marriage or adoption.
• Purpose: the family gives love, care, shelter, food and moral training.

What are the types of family?

There are two types of family: the nuclear family and the extended family.

Nuclear family

A nuclear family is a family made up of one or two parents and their children only.

• Members: father, mother and children.
• Single-parent home: one parent and the children also form a nuclear family.
• Example: Mr and Mrs Bello with their three children.

Extended family

An extended family is a family that includes the parents, their children and other close relations.

• Members: parents, children, uncles, aunties, nephews, nieces and cousins.
• Grandparents: they are often part of the extended family.
• Example: a household where the children live with their parents, an uncle and a grandmother.

What is the difference between a nuclear and an extended family?

What is a family name?

A family name is a surname that shows which family a person belongs to.

• Use: it identifies a person with his or her family.
• Source: children usually take the surname of their parents.
• Example: in the name Chidinma Okafor, Okafor is the family name.
• Care: a person should protect the good name of his or her family by good behaviour.

What are the roles of members of the family?

Every member of the family has a role to play so that the home is peaceful and happy.

What are the roles of the husband (father)?

• Love: he loves his wife.
• Honour: he respects his wife and honours her, so that the joy of the Lord will be in her.
• Provision: he provides food, clothing, shelter and school fees for the family.
• Training: he trains the children in the fear of God, that is, he is the spiritual leader (pastor) of his house.
• Protection: he keeps his family safe.

What are the roles of the wife (mother)?

• Submission: she submits to her husband.
• Home care: she takes care of the house and the children.
• Prayer: she prays for her husband and children.
• Teaching: she teaches the children good manners and good habits.

What are the roles of the children?

• Obedience: they obey their parents.
• Help: they assist in taking care of their younger ones.
• Chores: they help with house work such as sweeping and washing plates.
• Respect: they honour their parents and elders.
• Good conduct: they behave well so that the family name is respected.

What does the Bible teach about family relationships?

The Bible teaches that each member of the family should love and respect the others.

• Husbands: they are told to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25).
• Wives: they are told to submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22).
• Children: they are told to obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1).
• Honour for parents: the fifth commandment says, “Honour your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12).

How can relationships in the family be improved?

Family relationships improve when every member plays his or her role with love and respect.

1. Love one another.
2. Respect parents, elders and one another.
3. Obey the rules of the home.
4. Share house work.
5. Speak politely and settle quarrels quickly.
6. Forgive one another when wronged.
7. Pray together as a family.
8. Spend time together, such as eating meals together.

Moral lesson

If you want to have a good relationship with God, you must maintain a good relationship with man.

Evaluation

1. What is a family?
2. Name the two types of family.
3. What is a family name?
4. State two roles of the husband in the family.
5. State two roles of children in the family.

Assignment

Answer both parts: (a) What are the roles of individual members of the family? (b) How can relationships in the family be improved?