NEAREST AND DEAREST

Families come in all shapes, sizes, colors and structures.

Some families are large with siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents; some are small with mother and child; others include gatherings of people who are not related by blood but are brought together through love and common beliefs. When you explore families with children, you introduce them to a stunning series of interrelationships and foster their sense of self within their own family unit.

INFANTS

Babies rely on their families to satisfy their every need--from the basics of food, shelter and clothing to the intangible essentials of unconditional love and security. While at first, infants cannot distinguish between themselves and others, they begin to develop relationships with family members through responsive babbles and facial expressions. A healthy foundation for infants' intellectual and social growth is nurtured from these first loving relationships and emotional interactions. They also teach communication and thinking skills.

TODDLERS

These tykes relate the notion of "family" to the enjoyable things they do together, such as playing games, sharing meals and singing songs. Collect family songs on a tape recorder. In a child care setting, send home a tape recorder and blank cassette. Encourage families to select songs that reflect something about who they are. Have each child or family member choose a favorite song, then record everyone singing together. Write down the words and bring them in with the recording. Gather songs in a book, listen--even sing along--to the recordings.

PRESCHOOLERS

Help youngsters recognize the diversity of families, including mothers, fathers, stepparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, even close friends who aren't biologically related but are seen as family members nonetheless. Share special names, such as "nana," "Por-Por" (Chinese) or "abuelita" (Spanish). Look at families from kids' points of view. Give them inexpensive cameras to take pictures of themselves, their families, homes, foods they eat, celebrations, etc. Arrange a photo collage of the

 results, label accordingly and display for all to see.

SCHOOL-AGE

Older youngsters can take family investigations to a deeper level--into the different roles members play. Begin with questions: Who works outside the home? Who does the dishes? The gardening? This is a great time to broaden children's perspectives about gender roles--sometimes mommies go to work and grandpas do the cooking. Responsibilities are an important part of being a family. Ask children what chores they do to help out. How do they feel about the work they do? Compare youngsters' contributions with their parents' and other family members' input.

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