Family

The family structure and support system have changed in so many dimensions in recent decades. New family dynamics have developed in society that have encouraged some people to move towards wanting to be single and postponing marriage to a later date. People are choosing to have fewer children, single-parent households are increasing, there are higher divorce rates, more gay and lesbian parents,  and even fewer caregivers for aging adults. As these changes evolve, the psychological well-being of those involved should be taken into consideration. Even if the fundamental basis of a family support system changes and adapts to a newer generation, the growth of the family structure should not be neglected in any way. While families may change and grow to adapt to the modern world, society will still be on a path of destruction if they do not support, encourage, and respect the changes in the family system. Many factors have influenced family values and beliefs across numerous cultures. Changes in socioeconomic status, marriage, divorce, and types of relationships have played a vital role in changing the family. Considering there is so much that creates and sustains a family, although it takes so little to destroy the family.

"I sustain myself with the love of family." - Maya Angelou

"The way you help heal the world is you start with your own family." — Mother Teresa

"Sometimes, family is a group of people who make you feel less alone and really loved." — Carlos Wallace

"A happy family is but an earlier heaven." - George Bernard Shaw

"Family is the most important thing in the world." - Princess Diana

Even though the nuclear family is the basis of the fundamental traditional family, times have no doubt changed. Roles are now reversed, to accommodate the needs of the family. As families grow and grow apart, they leave voids within the family structure. This can strain family dynamics and eventually affect the psychological well-being and development of children. Individual independence is much more prevalent today when compared to the past. A sense of independence has fostered a change in traditional family needs. As we all know marriage has been the traditional union of nuclear families, but long-term unions are becoming less common these days. Divorce has become a much more common occurrence as individuals' priorities change and evolve. Non-traditional families are becoming much more accepted, like gay and lesbian couples raising children. Society has created limitations or barriers regarding non-traditional unions; honestly, who are we to judge what makes people happy? If single individuals or gay couples want to give a child a home, why not? Society should not or must not judge people based on sexual orientation. Regardless, we are all flawed in society.  

"Family is not solely about blood. It's about who is willing to hold your hand when you need it the most."

— Andy Cohen

"The best part about being in a chosen family is that they're the family you get to choose." — Jessie Pavelka

"Your family is the group you're born into, but your chosen family are the people you pick to be with you along the way." — Jessica Lang

"Family is not an important thing. It's everything." - Michael J. Fox

I, myself when I was young, did not understand nor did I accept non-traditional marriage or gay/lesbian relationships. As I learned more, and understood better, my acceptance and thinking became much more inclusive. I believe the more open-minded we are, the happier we are. Traditional beliefs and even scriptures are manipulated to fit or conform to what is normal. What is normal anyway? Who are we to judge? In the teachings of the mainstream, God does not judge. We should all follow our hearts and stay true to treating all mankind equally. It is sad to see how backward we are in some aspects of our society, as well as how much we have progressed. I sometimes wonder if we may not get to a utopian society; we are still a work in progress. The way I see it, we can not pick our family, since we are born into our family. On the other hand, we can pick our friends or our very own family, which allows us to create a family of our choosing. Happiness is not guaranteed, although happiness can be created and sustained over time. It is left to us to decide what is the true sense of family and how we can make it better for everyone. Our society needs to do better. Our society must do better to be more understanding and inclusive, eventually leading to a wholesome life for all.

"The most important thing in the world is family and love." - John Wooden

"Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what." — Dez Del Rio

"Family is a unique gift that needs to be appreciated and treasured, even when they're driving you crazy." — Jenna Morasca

"Family is where life begins and love never ends."

— Oprah Winfrey

"Family is not defined by our genes, it is built and maintained through love, respect, and acceptance."

— Amalia Gavea