# Family Theories in Child-Robot Interactions: Understanding Families as a Whole for Child-Robot Interaction Design

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.02723 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.02723/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 4 May 2023.

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- ["When He Feels Cold, He Goes to the Seahorse"-Blending Generative AI into Multimaterial Storymaking for Family Expressive Arts Therapy](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.06472/) (2024)
- [ELLA: Generative AI-Powered Social Robots for Early Language Development at Home](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2603.12508/) (2026)
- [Understanding Parents' Complex Views of AI for Children's Pretend Play](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.39906/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

In this work, we discuss a theoretically motivated family-centered design approach for child-robot interactions, adapted by Family Systems Theory (FST) and Family Ecological Model (FEM). Long-term engagement and acceptance of robots in the home is influenced by factors that surround the child and the family, such as child-sibling-parent relationships and family routines, rituals, and values. A family-centered approach to interaction design is essential when developing in-home technology for children, especially for social agents like robots with which they can form connections and relationships. We review related literature in family theories and connect it with child-robot interaction and child-computer interaction research. We present two case studies that exemplify how family theories, FST and FEM, can inform the integration of robots into homes, particularly research into child-robot and family-robot interaction. Finally, we pose five overarching recommendations for a family-centered design approach in child-robot interactions.