Back to: Jss2 Social Studies (NVE)

Meaning of Extended Family

An extended family is a kinship group which includes a family nucleus and other relatives such as grandparents, and cousins who live together and work as a larger unit. It is a family that goes beyond the basic or nuclear family, comprising of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who reside together under one roof. For instance, a married couple residing with the parents of either the husband or wife is an example of an extended family.

List of Members of Extended Family

Great grandparents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, father, mother, brother, sister.

1. Great grandparents: Refers to the parents of someone’s grandparents.
2. Grandparents: Refers to the parents of someone’s parents.
3. Uncles: Refers to the brothers of someone’s mother or father.
4. Aunts: Refers to the sisters of someone’s mother or father.
5. Cousins: Refers to the children of someone’s aunts or uncles.
6. Nephews: Refers to the male children or sons of someone’s siblings.
7. Nieces: Refers to the female children or daughters of someone’s siblings.
8. Father: Refers to a male parent.
9. Mother: Refers to a female parent.
10. Brother: Refers to a male sibling.
11. Sister: Refers to a female sibling.
12. Stepmother: Refers to the wife of someone’s father who is not their biological mother

Roles of Extended Family Members in Child Development

In the present day, families have become increasingly dispersed and self-reliant, which can make it challenging for children to cultivate relationships with their extended family members. Nonetheless, the presence of extended family members can aid children in their moral and social growth. The following are some of the different roles that extended family members can play in the development of a child.

1. Extended family members act as socializing agents and role models for children.
2. They share tales and superstitions from the past.
3. Children learn how to communicate with different age groups, including elders, seniors, and younger family members, through their extended family.
4. Extended family members provide moral and financial assistance to the nuclear family, especially during periods of distress or financial difficulties.
5. Children’s self-esteem and self-worth are improved by the presence of extended family members.
6. Extended family members exchange constructive ideas with each other.
7. Extended family members provide additional childcare and can act as babysitters or help with school pick-ups and drop-offs.
8. They can offer a sense of belonging and identity for children, helping them understand their place in the family and wider community.
9. Extended family members can introduce children to new experiences and hobbies, broadening their horizons.
10. They can act as mediators in family conflicts, providing a neutral perspective and helping to resolve issues.