THE MEANING OF FAMILY

WHAT IS A FAMILY?

• "A family is a group of two or more persons who reside together in a household. They are usually related by blood, marrige, or adoption." Jackson 1997

STEP FAMILY/BLENDED FAMILY

• Two families who are united through marrige
• May move to a new location or new household
• May get new step-siblings or half-siblings

Example: The movie "Blended"

EXTENDED FAMILY

• Several generation under one roof
• A young adult with a new child may move back in with their parents

Example: The Addams Family

NUCLEAR FAMILY

• Father, Mother, & children all living together
• Known as the "traditional family"
• Usually one member of the family earns more money

Example: The TV show "Liv & Maddie"

SINGLE PARENT FAMILY

• A mother or father at the head of the family
• Children live with one parent
• Parents may need to adjust to work to accommodate the children's needs

Example: The TV show "Full House"

ADOPTIVE FAMILY

• Child is adopted
• Parents may not be able to have children for certain reasons

Example: The movie "Matilda"

FOSTER FAMILY

• A family who takes care of other people kids who need a safe place to live
• May be a temporary home or home until adoption

Example: The movie "The Blind Side"

CHILDLESS FAMILY

• A family that doesn't have any children
• This could be by choice or they are unable to have them

Example: The TV show "Mike & Molly"