Family Functions Affective function

Ben and Mare have a close, caring relationship and
demonstrate a reciprocal emotional relationship. They are
a close, cohesive family. They are excited about expanding
their family with the adoption of Alex. They each state
that the other is a major support person in their lives. The
family has closed boundaries but does look to extended
family members for needed support. They express concern
about their son’s adjustment to them as parents, since he
has lived in an orphanage in Russia since the age of 3
months. They have investigated as much as possible about
how other children adapt to their new situations. They
plan to go to Russia to pick up their son, which will give
them access to information about rules and rituals he is familiar
with in the orphanage, and plan to institute them in
their home.
Socialization function
Ben and Mare talk about the importance of parenting
their son. They have openly discussed discipline to be
used, which will be time out. They plan to be involved in
the child-rearing practices of their son. Their son will be in
full-time preschool. They plan to be active in the education
process of their son.
Health care function
The family has a primary care physician for Ben and
Mare, but they have not selected a pediatrician for their
son. Ben sees the physician regularly for management of
hypertension and high cholesterol. Mare rarely sees the
doctor. The have a medical report for their son. He appears
to be in good health, except that he is below the fifth
percentile for height and weight. He is current on immunizations
except hepatitis. They both have dental cleaning
and examinations every 6 months.
both are overweight. Mare is obese. A major concern for
Mare is regular meal preparation for their son. At present,
Ben and Mare do not eat together for dinner on a regular
basis. In the past they have hired a cook to ensure that
healthful meals were available, especially with Mare working
full time.