FAMILY NEEDS, GOALS, STANDARDS AND RESOUCE MANAGEMENT
Introduction
In every family, there are essential requirements and aspirations that guide daily living. Understanding these needs and goals, and setting standards, helps families manage their resources effectively to ensure well-being and progress.
Family Needs and Wants
Family Needs: These are the essential things required for the physical, emotional, and social well-being of family members.
Family Wants: These are the desirable things that improve comfort or lifestyle but are not necessary for survival.
Differences Between Needs and Wants:
| Feature |
Needs |
Wants |
| Importance |
Essential for survival |
Not essential |
| Examples |
Food, shelter, healthcare |
TV, luxury items, toys |
Family Goals
Family Goals: Specific objectives a family plans to achieve over time to improve their well-being.
Types of Family Goals:
- Short-term goals: Achieved within a year (e.g., buying school supplies).
- Medium-term goals: Achieved in 1–3 years (e.g., saving for a bicycle).
- Long-term goals: Achieved after 3+ years (e.g., building a family home).
Family Standards
Family Standards: Levels of quality or achievement that a family strives to maintain in various aspects of life.
Types of Family Standards:
- Economic Standards: Financial stability and responsible spending.
- Social Standards: Positive relationships and social behavior.
- Moral Standards: Upholding values and integrity.
- Cultural Standards: Preserving traditions and heritage.
Relationship Between Family Needs, Goals, and Standards
- Needs identify what is essential for the family’s well-being.
- Goals are set to achieve these needs over time.
- Standards determine the quality or manner in which goals are achieved.
Example:
- Need: Adequate healthcare.
- Goal: Save money for medical expenses.
- Standard: Allocate a specific percentage of income monthly for healthcare.
Resource Management
Resource Management is the Planning, organizing, and using family resources effectively to meet needs and achieve goals.
Types of Resources:
- Human Resources: Skills, time, energy, knowledge of family members.
- Material Resources: Money, property, tangible assets.
- Natural Resources: Land, water, raw materials.
Steps in Resource Management:
- Planning: Identify needs and set goals.
- Organizing: Allocate resources to achieve goals.
- Implementing: Carry out the planned activities.
- Evaluating: Assess outcomes and make adjustments.
Uses of Family Needs, Goals, and Standards in Resource Management
- Prioritization: Focus on essential needs before wants.
- Budgeting: Plan finances according to family goals.
- Decision Making: Make informed choices about spending and saving.
- Conflict Resolution: Resolve disagreements using established goals and standards.
- Monitoring Progress: Track achievements and make necessary adjustments.
Assessment Questions
- Define family needs and wants.
- List and explain three types of family needs.
- Differentiate between needs and wants with examples.
- Define family goals and give two examples.
- What are family standards? List two types.
- Explain the relationship between family needs, goals, and standards.
- Outline four ways family needs, goals, and standards help in resource management.
- Give examples of short-term, medium-term, and long-term family goals.
