Family Patterns - The history of genograms

Family Patterns

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. This assignment will be a two-step process.

First you will complete research on family genograms. https://genopro.com/articles/  is a helpful website that you can use for assistance with this  assignment. (Hint - there are several articles on that page that will  help you with this section and the next one.) 

Another resource that you can use for creating a genogram is  How to Make a Genogram Online | EdrawMax Online. 

• The history of genograms
• How genograms are used 
• How genograms are completed
• What are the benefits and/or challenges of developing a genogram 
• Any other information you'd like to share from your research

For the  second part of 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, weak, 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.

Please  complete your genogram using genopro.com, 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

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. What was the experience of collecting information like for you? 
3. Are  there any patterns that emerged that surprised you? (For example  communication, addiction, teen pregnancy, mental healthy issues, etc.)  Why or why not?
4. How could a genogram help a couple strengthen their relationship?
5. How could parents use a genogram to educate their children?
6. Conclude by summarizing what you learned from this assignment and how you can apply it to your family.