Page 92 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

5.2 Family

Introduction to family
People live in the family. There is presence of
grand father, grand mother, father, mother, son,
daughter in law, daughter, etc. in the family.
All of them have different age. Grand father
and grand mother as well as father and mother
have marriage relationship whereas parents
and children have blood relationship. All of
them live in the same house, have same kitchen,
share the same food, co-operate among each Fig: 7
other, follow the same culture and so on.
Family is the elementary unit of society. The origin of family is not known. However, it is
believed that paleolithic humans started family in the stone age. When people started to
live in groups for various purposes, they realized several advantages. Ultimately, there
was development of family.
Family is a group of individuals having different age, sex, related by blood or marriage,
living under the same roof with the common provision of food, sharing the responsibilities
and other resources together.
It can also be defined as a group of individuals having different age, sex, related by blood
or marriage or adoption, living together in the designated role of father, mother, grand
father, grand mother, uncle, aunt, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. with the common sub-
culture.
Family is the first school for every individual. A child is born in home or hospital but
brought up in the family. The family and family members are like teachers. They teach
language to a child and shape his/her character. There are certain norms and values in
the family. A child learns those norms, values, manners and behaviours from the family
members. A child observes the behaviours and doings of parents and imitates the same.
A child is made to acquire moral lessons and discipline from family. A child becomes
keen observer of social traditions, cultural activities and religious practices performed by
parents throughout the whole year. A child gains practical experiences on various health,
population and environment matters from the family and family members. It is the family
where a child learns to respect others. A child learns to be civilized and socialized as well
as morally acceptable from family. Similarly, parents care a lot for their children. They
are loving and dearing ones in the family. Parents guide their children in various parts of
life. They always wish their bright future and welfare. They develop background for their
children to become independent and successful.
Family makes a culture-less child a cultured and civilized citizen and gives him/her all
necessary provisions for growing up. Family helps a child to be successful in life. Hence,
family is the place of multi-dimensional development of an individual.

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