Most of us grew up in what has been called a nuclear family – a mom, a dad, and, according to research, 2.4 kids. And this family unit was reinforced by media – television programs, movies, and other media sources.
But in recent years, the nuclear family has declined – so much so, in fact, that less than 60% of family units are nuclear – an all time low.
Clearly, our definition of a family has evolved and continues to do so, as new family units are becoming far more common. They are the result of needs of parents and children, financial situations, and alternative ways in which younger adults view love and partnerships.
Let’s unpack the types of non-traditional families that now exist all over the world, especially in Western societies.
Types of Non-Traditional Family Units
Same-Sex Partnerships/Marriages/Families
Perhaps the most famous UK same-sex marriage is that of Elton John – a huge and wildly popular celebrity, not just in the UK but the world over. He and his husband, David Furnish, have two children, both born from the same surrogate. While they protect the privacy of their family life, they have shared some photos of the two boys on the web.
Given the changes in laws in recent decades, there has been an increase in same-sex relationships and marriages and child adoption or surrogate parenthood.
There are still concerns raised by social conservatives who claim that the children in these situations do not have a parent figure of the opposite sex to serve as a role model. In fact, same-sex parents frequently adopt gender roles as they parent. What matters in the end is that good parenting strategies will result in a healthy, happy child.
Research has also shown that progress and adjustment and performance in school through adolescence is not impacted by same-sex parents. The same concerns do not seem to be raised regarding widows and widowers raising children without two role models.
Same sex partnerships will continue to be on the rise. It only takes the huge amount of gay dating that occurs via online dating apps and in-person to know that same-sex marriages are becoming more and more the norm.
Blended Families
Single parents marry or form partnerships and bring children into those units. So, there are stepparents, stepchildren, and sometimes half-siblings. Everyone will need to make adjustments and adapt to new interpersonal dynamics. With love, respect, and consistent parenting, blended families do well.
Extended Families
Also becoming more common are households with more than one generation living together. Elderly parents may move in with their married children and grandchildren.
Children, especially when single young adults, may move back in with their parents for financial reasons, such as paying off student loans or while new in their careers.
Sometimes siblings who are single parents move in together to co-parent and pool their finances.
Extended families have a long history in other cultures, specifically Japan and India where communal cultural values are strong.
In Western culture, extended families can create tensions and conflict. It will take plenty of communication and compromise for these to be successful.
Single-Parent Families
Given the rising divorce rate, it is no surprise that the number of single-parent households is climbing too.
In addition to divorce, however, which family lawyers can help with if that’s something you’re dealing with at the moment, there are other single-parent families. Sometimes, people just want to be parents without the commitment and responsibility that a marriage or partnership entails, or they simply have not found the right partner yet. These people will often adopt or, if female, choose in vitro fertilization.
Successful Non-Traditional Families Embody Traditional Values
Successful nuclear families are those in which parenting is consistent, respect is present, and love for one another is strong enough to weather the challenges and issues that arise. Parents communicate, set appropriate boundaries, and find compromises.
Successful non-traditional marriages exhibit these same values no matter what type they are.