Handout 7:
Family Scenario:
The Kelso Family


Instructions
Read the following family scenario. You will use the information on the Kelsos to:
1) identify significant life events;
2) practice charting the family's life cycle;
3) assess the event's opportunities or challenges; and
4) identify the internal anti external supports.

The Kelso Family
Mr. Kelso: Father of three
Mrs. Kelso: Mother of three, deceased
Liza Kelso: Mr. Kelso's sister
Milt and Aimee Kelso: Mr. Kelso's brother and sister-in-law
Laura Kelso: Age 16
Tim Kelso: Age 10
Stella Kelso: Age 4

After 17 years of marriage, Mrs. Kelso died suddenly, leaving three children to be raised by her husband. Recently, Mr. Kelso's sister, Liza, moved in with the family to help with the children. Despondent and overwhelmed by the loss of his wife, Mr. Kelso threw himself into his work and was awarded a promotion for his efforts. Even though his new job is very demanding, he is usually able to get home before bedtime to say good night to his children. Life insurance money, along with a raise at work, has allowed Mr. Kelso to move his family out of an apartment and into a small house in a suburban neighborhood.

The Head Start teacher has noticed that Stella's behavior has dramatically changed since the death of her mother. Stella refuses to listen and has temper tantrums whenever she doesn't get her way. The Head Start teacher has spoken with the family because, no matter what the teacher does, Stella seems to get angrier and angrier by the day. Moreover, at least three nights a week at home, Stella wakes up crying. When this happens, no one gets enough sleep. On Liza's advice, Mr. Kelso has decided to talk with his brother about taking Stella to live with him.

Tim is also having a difficult time adjusting to the loss of his mother and is feeling angry. On the first day at his new school, Tim refused to go, lashed out at Liza, and kicked a hole in the wall of his bedroom. Laura also misses her mother terribly. She is a junior in high school and didn't want to change schools.

You have never worked with the Kelso family and are unaware of the family's current situation. You are planning a home visit and want to use the strategy of charting the family's life cycle to help you and the family identify strengths, coping skills, and supports.

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