The professional communication of a social pedagogue with a family is an actual problem of modern science. The object of the research is a Russian family, the subject – the communication of a social pedagogue with a family. The purpose of the research is the revealing of peculiarities of professional communication of a social pedagogue with a family, the account of which in practical professional work of an expert will promote the perfection of his work and the improvement of the quality of social-pedagogical services to a family.

During the research the following methods were used: analysis of references, questioning methods, analysis of documents, pedagogical supervision. On the basis of the sociological researches: social problems of a Russian family were revealed, subjects of social-pedagogical work with a family were named, the necessity of the introduction of an institute of social pedagogues helping families was proved. The concept of self-determination of a family was introduced, the necessity of the transition of a family to self-determination while deciding its problems and realizing its educational function was proved. The peculiarities of professional communication of a social pedagogue with different types of families were revealed. The professional communication of a social pedagogue with a family is a complex process demanding the competent organization of interpersonal interaction, the usage of personal potential to create favorable psychological background and an atmosphere of trust, the knowledge of social problems and social-psychological peculiarities of a family, the differentiated approach in social-pedagogical work with a family.

The results of the research can be used in practical activities of social pedagogues, in vocational training of experts.