Family Rules - Season 1 (ATOM Study Guide)

Family Rules is an observational documentary series following the lives of nine sisters: Angela (29), Shenika (27), Helen (26), Kelly (23), Kiara (22), Sharna (20), Aleisha (17), Jessica (14) and Hannah (12).

It follows the everyday triumphs and misfortunes of these young women as they balance their aspirations with the values of their mother, Daniella. Filmed over nine months, this series provides an exclusive look into a contemporary Indigenous Australian family and the familiar problems of adolescence, young adult life and parenthood.

Each episode of the show focuses on the lives of particular sisters as they give an insight into the challenges common to many young women. However, navigating life in a family of ten presents its own unique challenges and when the rules are broken, everyone has something to say.

The three eldest girls – Angela, Shenika and Helen – all live within a five-kilometre radius of their mother's house with their own families. These young women are juggling the challenges of having young children and their own career ambitions. The three middle girls – Kelly, Kiara and Sharna – are trying to live independent lives free from their frustrating but lovable younger sisters. The three youngest girls – Aleisha, Jessica and Hannah – live at home with Mum and are consumed by adolescent dilemmas. All the while, mother-of-nine Daniella traverses a tricky landscape of endless conflict – and risks calls of favouritism – in order to keep her family together. But keeping all her daughters happy is difficult, especially when she is doing it on her own and in the shadow of a shocking past trauma.

Curriculum links:

This program and accompanying ATOM study guide are relevant to studies of Civics and Citizenship, and Work Studies in Years 9–10. They are also relevant to the General Capability of Personal and Social Capability, as well as the Cross-curriculum Priorities of Intercultural Understanding, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures.

Family Rules - Season 1 is also available for 1-year rental.

The DVD is also available to purchase here.