Types of families

First, we define what family is and later we will discuss types of families and how they work.

Key points

• Nuclear family
• Extended family
• Single family
• Blended family
• Foster family
• Adoptive family
• Transnational family
• Migrant family
• Immigrant family

We normally define that a family consists of mother, father and their child or children who live in the same house. If there is love, unity, respect, harmony and cooperation among the family members, it is called family in true sense because these are the basis of true family.

Without families, we are individually nothing. They are just like compasses which guide us. Families are the inspirations to reach climax. They entertain us when we sometimes hesitate or experience any calamity.

A family is the world that is the creation of love. We begin and end our life with family. The time we spend with our family is of great value and the love of family is great blessing because it is not only important thing but also everything. Dear parent, every family is beautiful but yours is your favorite one.

 The purpose of this piece of writing is to create awareness among the parents about the importance of love, respect, harmony, unity and cooperation which are the essence of peaceful life for any type of family. As parent, if you succeed in creating such atmosphere among your family members, it is paradise on earth for you and your family.  

There are many types of families but we are going to discuss common types of families which include nuclear family, extended family, single family, blended family, foster family, adopted family, transnational family, migrant family and immigrant family.    

Nuclear family

Nuclear families usually consist of a mother, a father and a child or children or we can say that such families consist of a married man and woman and their genetic children. When we observe and interview such families, their response is that they enjoy normal life and have few struggles. The members of such families are of the view that they are happy with their families and don’t want to change anything in their family.  

This kind of family is the most protected one in the prevailing culture. The foremost concern for children is to help them understand that their two parents who are attracted to each other are an example of a fine family (heterosexual family) that is one type among many other types of families. It is critical that initial infantile tutors do not undertake that since a family has a nuclear-powered structure, they do not need assistance and association most of the time.

Extended family

 Such families consist of grandfather, grandmother, aunts, uncles, mother, father, children and other relatives. Extended family members are chiefly entangled in the nurturing of the children and live within the house. In such sort of family, grand parents or aunts and uncles perform key roles in the children’s rearing.

This may or may not comprise those relatives living with the children. These family members may be in addition to the child’s parents. In any decision regarding children, these members play a very significant role.

Single family

These types of families consist of one parent either mother or father and the child or the children. When we observe such families, they face many problems. Single parent families may have worth mentioning economic load. Single parent families may find it beneficial to get financial help from the other parent in the form of child support payment.

This can be either a father or a mother who is alone answerable for the nurturing of a child. The child is either born or adopted. The causes of being single parent may be different sorts of life circumstances.  It is, sometimes, very difficult situation for single parent to provide common necessities of life to their child.

Discover what other supports the single parent has in her life, and which people play a momentous role in the child’s life. Perhaps, it may be specifically vital for this type of family that the primary infant schedule forms a compassionate and loving society of parents.

Blended family

Blended families may consist of step parents (either step mother or step father) and siblings. It is difficult for children from blended families to get along with each other. The children belonging to blended families may face a tough time seeing their step parent as a parental figure.

This family comprises of members from two or more former families. Families may use a multiplicity of conditions for the different family members and have varying networks with extended family members. It is good idea in this type of family to inspire children to display all of their family in pictures and to make gifts for everyone. It should be clear that all family members are factual and that all the associations are imperative to the child.   

Foster family

In Foster family, one or more of the children are legitimately momentary members of the home. This transitory period may be as short as a few days or as long as the child’s whole childhood. Rapport care families are foster families where there is a lawful preparation for the child to be loved by the relatives of one of the parents.

Let her use whatever terminology the child uses about her foster parents (she may call them mom or dad or she may use their first names or may call them Mama 2 and Papa 2, etc.). Check with the foster parents about what they have told the child about the absent family and the probability of reunifying. If the real or first parents are able to visit, and wish to come to the school, make them welcome. Not to ask a child to select who is utmost important to her.   

Adoptive family

In Adoptive family, one or more of the children are adopted. When the parents are issueless and lose hope of their own children, they adopt one child or two children.  Such sort of family is called adoptive family.

Sometimes children as well as adults use the term real parents instead of genetic parents. It should be clear that the adoptive parents are the real parents because they are rearing the child. Mediation is needed if other children tease an adopted child with comments such as “that isn’t your real mommy”. Do not repeatedly undertake the problems that the child may be having as they are due to adoption.

Transnational family

Transnational families live in more than one country. It is possible that they may spend some part of each year in their native country on a systematic basis. The child may spend time being cared for by different family members in each country.

Culture clash is a very critical issue for these families as they work to have their children to be at home in both places. Be sure to find out the words the child uses in order to communicate her various family members in both countries.

So many friends and MPhil fellows of mine are living abroad and having such type of families.

Migrant family

This sort of family travels regularly to places where they have work. The most common form of migrant family is farm workers who move with the crop seasons. The children belonging to such type of family may have a somewhat unchanging society of people who move at the same time- or the family may know no one in each new setting.

Military families also lead a migrant life, with repeated replacement; often on short notice. Bureaucratic families also face these challenges.

Immigrant family

In Immigrant family, parents immigrate to any country as adults but their children may or may not be immigrants. Some family members may continue to live in native country, but they are still weighty figures in the life of the child.

Every individual of these families brings with her or him a set of socially based manners for raising their valuable children. And each of these families is repetitively navigating between what made sense in their country of origin, and what is required in their new country.

Special care must be taken to strengthen the bonds between the child and the family and not set up a right or wrong way for things to be done. Supporting the child’s home language (the child’s mother tongue), is as indispensable for the child’s existence as is supporting the child as an English language learner. The languages, social dogmas and conducts are of equal importance.  

In a nutshell

While conducting the review of literature related to different types of families, I came to know different types of families and really, it was amazing for me to know a variety in families. This research article will be helpful to handle different types of parenting challenges for both parents and caretakers. We struggle to present the best possible information to the parents regarding child rearing. Do share your gut feelings with us after reading this article. Your opinions are vital for the improvement of our work.

Wish you happy and successful parenting.