NRS71001 Case Study Essay Online Tutoring

Tammy is a 32 year woman who has a 10 year old son Oscar, from her first marriage. Oscar’s teacher had reported to Tammy, he had noticed Oscar’s behavior and grades were declining at school, and he was having trouble with other children in the playground.

Scott is 42 years old and is Tammy’s new partner. Scott has a 5-year-old son, Jack, and his daughter Mia is nearly 2-year-old: they are the children from his previous relationship. Jack and Mia stay every second week and have mostly adjusted well to this new arrangement. Scott is currently not working after an accident at work six months ago. Scott can put his hand to most things and has been making several home products with recycled timber and selling them at the market and a local shop.

Tammy works as a school teacher at the local primary school and has just confirmed she is pregnant with their first child. Finances are tight, but Tammy is very good at budgeting for the family. Tammy was able to buy a home from the settlement from her marriage and has enjoyed living in a small rural community about 40 minutes from the next large town.

Tammy and Scott have decided to work hard at creating a positive family unit. Therefore, they have regular family meetings to create a solid foundation for the whole family. They plan family fun times: family soccer game at the local park on Saturdays, camping and special events, like birthdays are always celebrated together. Oscar and Jack also have chores to attend daily and are rewarded for completing; this could be pocket money or another negotiated reward. The family always have their meals together at the table. The television is off and they talk about their day. Any challenges are talked through with an open and supportive environment; particularly the new baby arriving.

Oscar (10) has two good friends he has known since going to pre-school together. They enjoy getting together on weekends to ride their bikes and are on the same football team. Scott enjoys going to watch Oscar play football and will take Jack to watch also. Oscar is increasingly wanting his independence, and is starting to challenge decisions made. Oscar took a little while to adjust to his new family, but now enjoys the responsibility of his younger siblings. He is also enjoying a positive relationship and role model with his step father, Scott. Scott likes to take the boys camping and adventuring; this has been a wonderful bonding time, and allowed Scott to talk with Oscar about school issues.

Jack (5) is a happy, outgoing little boy who has recently commenced school. He enjoys his new ‘big’ brother, especially when they play ‘catch ball’ together, or any game that is filled with fantasy and drama. Jack is also finding new friends through his school. He loves going to the park close by to ride his bike. Jack loves being active but does get tired by the end of the day, and enjoys a story and early to bed. Jack is quite protective of his little sister.

Mia (22 months) attends day-care two days a week. She is walking and has lots of new words. She likes to try and dress herself more, but does get distressed easily. She is also starting to toilet train. Mia loves to play with her brothers; she really enjoys playing ‘cups of tea’ or exploring around where her brothers are playing. She evens enjoys a game of chase. Mia does have some difficulties around ‘change-over’ between families.

The family does not have any close family nearby but do have a few good friends.

Family History: Tammy’s mother died of breast cancer aged 58, 5 years ago. Tammy’s father, Peter (65) is living in the family home 1000kms away. He has just retired from being a School Principle. He has struggled with depression since losing his wife. Tammy has one older brother Brendan (37) who is married to Megan (36) and they have 3 boys aged 12, 10 and 7. Brendan and Megan live in the same town as Peter. Peter has only met Scott twice, and is happy that Tammy is finally feeling more settled and happy in her life. Peter is looking forward to a new grandchild.

Scott’s parents, Julie (65) and Michael (66) are fit and well and currently travelling Australia in their Caravan. A dream come true for their retirement. Scott has three siblings; Maree (38), Jamie, (36) and Suzi (34).  Maree has three children, Jamie two and Suzi two. Scott has had a close relationship with his siblings and parents, and enjoys the twice yearly family get together. They always meet up at a destination that has been a family tradition since Scott was a child.

Scott’s parents were sad at his first marriage break up but have accepted Tammy well and are looking forward to their new grandchild coming.