Question 1a. What is family life Education?

People express different views on family life education (FLE) depending on their background,
experiences and the problems identified in their communities. Some Home Economists explain
Family Life Education as a study that focuses on preparing individuals for adult life whilst others
believe that Family Life Education when studied enables individual family members to use their
resources effectively in order to ensure that, its members are healthy and happy. The views
expressed, however, focus on improving the quality of life of individuals and families. Based on
these views, Family Life Education can be defined as a study that equips individuals with skills
and knowledge on responsible family living to enhance the quality of life of people.

Question 1b. State and explain four benefits of family life education.
a. Family life education creates an understanding of ourselves and our interdependence on
others and enable us to make decisions about family living.
b. It equips us with skills and knowledge on responsible parenthood
c. It makes us aware of social problems and their impact on the society
d. It enhances our understanding of population problems in relation to quality of living.

Question 2. State and explain 4 things to consider when choosing a marriage partner
It is assumed that, people want mates who have qualities and characteristics similar to their own.
Most people tend to choose mates who are similar to themselves in age, intelligence, race, ethnic
group, social class and religion.

The following factors should however be considered when choosing a partner: - family
background, economic security, love, desirable personality traits, family status, religious
background, age, compatibility, physical attractiveness.

1. Family background or status. Difference in background of would-be partners must be

considered. The greater the difference in background between the two persons, the less
their chances of having a successful marriage. The social class in which one is brought up
will influence how comfortable he or she feels with a partner.
2. Economic security. This is an important factor to consider. Young people contemplating
marriage should be income earners and be gainfully employed. If possible, both partners
should be economically ready for marriage. This is because, they will need to start their
 own home and provide all their needs. Traditionally, men provide every material needed
of the family and therefore it is expected that the man earns more than his wife if both are
employed.
3. Love. Love is a pre-requisite for marriage. It should form the basis for every marriage.
An individual should choose a partner whom he or she loves. Love may come suddenly
or may develop gradually but genuine love is nurtured. The love that leads to marriage
should be able to stand the test of time. You should be able to differentiate between
romantic love and the type of love that provides a lasting happiness in marriage.
4. Desirable personality trait. It is advisable to choose a person with desirable personality
traits like honesty, selflessness, good manners, sense of humor, respectful, supportive,
just to mention a few. One school of thought believes that sometimes attraction is based
on complementary needs. For example, one who is dependent may get attracted to
someone who is dominant and protective. The tendency for a submissive person to
become involved with a dominant person is another example of attraction based on
complementary needs. other examples are: peacemaker versus trouble maker,
responsibility versus irresponsibility, tall versus short stature etc.
5. Religious background. Religion is an asset to marriage. The committed religious
persons have a greater chance for marital happiness. The virtues extolled in the Bible –
meekness, kindness, consideration for others, helpfulness, selflessness, help make a well-
adjusted personality. Those who have captured such values and have learned how to
apply them in real-life situations will make good prospects for marriage. This does not
mean that a non-religious person cannot possess such characteristics. It only means there
is a greater likelihood of a person having them if he or she belongs to a group that teaches
and practices such values. However, years of research have indicated that those who
belongs to no religious group have a greater marriage risk than those who do (Van Pelt,
2002)
6. Compatibility. People who can exist together in harmony are said to be compatible.
They share interests, values and attitudes. As partners, they see eye to eye on many things
and spend their time together on activities they both enjoy. Research has proved that,
spouses who have similar perceptions of themselves, their relationship, their children and
 family life in general tend to report more marital satisfaction or more harmonious family
functioning than those with different perception.
7. Physical attractiveness. In general, people tend to become involved in those who are
similar in physical attractiveness. For a successful marriage, both partners should be
physically attracted to each other. However, a partner’s attractiveness is more important
to men than women.

Question 3. State and explain 4 factors that may contribute to a successful marriage
Marriage is a commitment and the success or failure of it depends on how each partner accepts
and fulfils his or her commitment. This is influenced by a number of factors such as: -
i) Adequate preparation
This involves knowing each other long enough to make adjustment possible. The couple
should have adequate information on the subject of ‘sex’ and knowledge of basic home
management skills such as how to maintain a home, prepare food, care for children and
manage money.
ii) Trust and respect for each other
Couples are expected to trust and respect each other. They are required to guide against
unnecessary suspicion and show respect for each other in all aspects of their lives. The
couple should take decisions affecting the family together and should respect each other’s
views and be prepared to compromise on issues.
iii) Good in-law relationship
Couples are required to have good relations with their in-laws before and after marriage.
They should respect and accept them, welcome them warmly when they visit them
irrespective their social and economic status.
iv) Effective communication
To promote a happy and intimate relationship, couples should share feelings openly and in a
friendly and health way. They should share moments of joy and sorrow together and resolve
conflicts peacefully.
v) Financial stability of the spouse
Couples are required to generate enough money to cater for the family’s needs such as
clothing, food, shelter and health care. The marriage is likely to succeed if they plan and
spend money wisely.
vi) Age at marriage
 The age in which individuals marry influences the success or failure of the marriage.
Research has revealed that, individuals who marry at younger ages tend to be immature and
invariably have unsuccessful marriages.

Question 4. State and explain only 1 stage of the family life cycle
The empty nest or dissolution stage - This stage begins with the exit of the last child. It
continues until the one of the parents dies and eventually ends on the death of the surviving
parent. The wants of individuals during this stage usually grow less intense and the need for care
and protection increases. Most couples work through this period by finding new goals and new
purpose in life.

If parents are to have a feeling of adequacy and independence in their later years, they must plan
for it before those years arrive. In developed countries, many couples on retirement can afford to
change residence and take advantage of more recreational opportunities. However, in a
developing like ours, the opposite is the case; many people are either in the low-income group or
not regular income earners. As such, they become very poor in this stage.
The development task at this stage includes adjusting to retirement, renewing and redefining the
marriage relationship and maintaining ties with children and their families. The coupe at this
stage gets involved in may local, secular and church activities.
People who have led a full life are usually prepared for their later years. They adjust to ageing
and slowing down and discover simple pleasures that they never noticed before. They reflect on
the past and all willing to share the wisdom that life has taught them.
Becoming grandparents is a special pleasure for many people at this stage. They enjoy
grandchildren in a way that, they never had time to enjoy their own children. Sometimes they
take care of grandchildren on a regular basis. Two common reason for taking up this
responsibility are family problems and parents who are employed on a full-time basis.
Grandparents are fulfilling this need for child care more and more these days. Some are
providing a safety net for children who might otherwise difficult time.
Challenges
1. Poor health – Health problems are more likely at this stage than any other. As one ages
health deteriorate, but people who have taken good care of themselves have a better
chance of enjoying life.
2. Loneliness – When one of the couples dies, the surviving spouse may be lonely if the
children live far away from home.
3. Financial problems – Income level falls at this stage and managing the little income may
pose problems.
Question 5. State and explain 4 dating etiquette
 The two partners must plan ahead
 They should be sure of where they will be going, how they will get there and the activity
they will engage in. This will help them to determine what they will wear.
 They should an activity they both enjoy doing
 Arrive on time or call when you are going to be late(courteous). Do not keep your date
waiting
 Meet one another’s parents.
 Relax and enjoy yourselves.
 Behave properly throughout the date.
 Ask questions to keep the conversation going.
 If you had fun, tell your partner, he will like to know.
 After the date, the boy (man) should accompany the girl (woman) home. Make sure she
enters the house before you leave.

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