Family Life Merit Badge

Presented 2006
Mrs. Sandberg
Requirement #1
 What is a family? Basic unit of society consisting of one or more
adults living together and cooperating in the care and rearing of their
own or adopted children.
 Why are families important to individuals and society? People,
especially children need families in order to survive. Families help care
for their needs and teach them morals. Society benefits from the skills
that families teach because individuals grow up to be productive
citizens.
 How can the actions of one family member affect other family
members? If you don’t do you responsibilities, such as dishes, taking
out the garbage, ect. other members of the family would have to do
these and this could cause conflict. If a member of the family does
something illegal it could have an emotional impact on the other
members and could hurt financially.
Requirement #2

 List several reasons why you are important

to your family.

 Give at least six. Be sure to have you

parents initial it and review them with your
counselor.
Requirement #3

 You need to get started on this one right

away as it takes 90 days to complete.

 Pick 5 chores that you do at home. Write

them under Duty 1, Duty 2, ect.
 Keep track of the dates that you do each
chore.
Requirement #4

 With the approval of your parents/guardian

and counselor decide on and carry out a
project that you would do around the house
that would benefit your family. Submit a
report stating what the project is and how it
benefited your family.

 This is to be a project that you do on your

own.
Requirement # 5
 Plan and carry out a project that involves the participation of your
family.

 Answer the following questions:

What project did you plan and carry out?

What was the objective/goal of your project?
Tell how individual members participated.
The results of the project were:

Possible projects: Ring Bells for the Salvation Army, participate in Chain
Reaction Day, help an elderly or handicapped person with yard work or
a home repair, do something for your church.
Requirement #6
 Discuss with you merit badge counselor how to plan and carry out a family meeting. Give
a brief summary about what was discussed.
Guidelines for a Family Meeting

1. Meet at a regular time. Once a week and have meeting last 20-60 minutes.
2. Make a list of topics. Post them in a location were everyone may see them and be able
to add things.
3. Plan the time. Decide how much time is needed for each topic and stick to it.
4. Take turns being the leader.
5. Take notes.
6. Be sure that everyone takes part in the meeting
7. Limit complaining.
8. Do what you agree to do.
9. Take time for fun. Plan something fun for the family to do after the meeting or during the
next week.
Requirement #6 continued

 Hold a family meeting.

 During the meeting discuss avoiding substance
abuse. Write a brief summary.
 During the meeting discuss the growing up process
and how the body changes and making responsible
decisions dealing with sex. Have your parent initial.
 Discuss family finances and give brief summary.
 Discuss a crisis situation that could face your family
and write a brief summary.
 Discuss the effects of technology on your family and
write a brief summary.
Requirement #7
 Discuss with your counselor what makes and effective father. Give a
summary

An effective father knows his children, what haunts and hurts them and
what brings them joy and pleasure. An effective father also know when
is child has had a bad day, or is upset about something. He will know
the names of friends and encourage his child. A father will know
strengths and weaknesses and when his child is embarrassed. He will
do what he can to motivate his child. Effective fathers will actively
pursue knowledge about what he can do to help his child blossom and
prosper and also about danger signs to help his child avoid situations
that could cause difficulties. Active and positive involvement by a
father results in socially well adjusted children.
Requirement #7 continued

 What are your thoughts on the role of a

father in the family. Give several examples
to support your thoughts.
Requirement #7 continued

 Discuss with you counselor your understanding of the

responsibilities of a parent.

Parents control the care and upbringing of their children. This

includes where to live, what school to attend, what religion to
follow and what medical treatment to obtain. Parents may
punish and discipline their children with reason. Parents may
be responsible for damages caused by their child. Parents are
legally responsible for their children until they reach the age of
majority, which is usually 18, marry, or leave the home to
support themselves.