This assignment will help you gain a better understanding of your family dynamics by completing a genogram. A genogram is like a road map to your family history. It can help you see the history of patterns that have emerged over generations. Here is a little information about genograms if you aren't familiar with them:
• They show several generations of a family and the relationships between the family members using various symbols, shapes, colors, etc.
• they provide a history of patterns within a family (communication, behavior, medical issues, marriages, divorces)
Genograms.org is a helpful website that you can use for assistance with this assignment.
For this assignment you will "map out" your immediate family. You may need to contact extended family members for help. If that's not possible, no problem, do the best you can with the information you have. You'll start with you and your significant other as well as your children. Then, if possible, please go back two generations. Remember, a genogram is more than a family tree. You need to identify relationships and their status (strong, week, abusive, etc.), behavioral patterns (teen pregnancy, divorce, substance abuse, etc.), health issues and/or any other issues that you know of or become aware of during your research.
You may complete this assignment as a Word doc using whatever shapes, symbols, colors, etc. you want or you can draw your genogram by hand, scan it, and upload it as an attachment. PLEASE keep in mind that this is not an art class - I'm not looking for a masterpiece. The purpose of this assignment is for you to see what patterns emerge within your family. After you've completed your genogram please write a 1-2 page summary that includes the answers to the following questions (as well as anything else you'd like to share):
1. What did you learn about your family history? (Please share as much as you are comfortable with. This assignment is very personal and your instructor is the only person who will read it.)
2. Are there any patterns that emerged that surprised you? Why or why not?
3. How could a genogram help a couple strengthen their relationship?
4. How could parents use a genogram to educate their children?
5. Conclude your paper by summarizing what you learned from this assignment and how you can apply it to your family.