by Danielle P.
Member since:
March 26, 2007

Interesting tid bit of information on families.

May 15, 2008 08:26 PM EDT
views: 69 | comments: 21
From 1880 through 1970 85 % of all children lived in a 2 family home.
 In 1990 it dropped to 73% and in 2003 it dropped to 68%. 
In 1880 only 3% of children lived with their Fathers only and in 2003 it is at 5%.
 Single mom's went from 8% in 1880 to 23% in 2003. 

Diverse family structures are more acceptable today than ever before. 
I personally think that a family is what is acceptable to you.   Children look to their families for nurture, love and emotional support.  I think that no matter who makes up your "family" as long as it is a positive nurturing experience for the children all is well.

What are your thoughts?
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Comments: 21

Ang, wandering aimlessly, G. May 15, 2008, 8:34pm EDT
Doesn't surprise me. Divorce rate is really high.
Carolyn M. May 15, 2008, 8:38pm EDT
Kinda sad I think. Kids are also going to gangs for their "families" and love and emotional support. Yep, it's becoming more acceptable today.
Kelly E. May 15, 2008, 8:48pm EDT
All I know is I love my family... Some days its huge with anywhere from 20 - 40 people about and somedays its just the 4 of us. Either way, its all good with me!
Monica H. May 15, 2008, 8:58pm EDT
I just know that I am blessed to have my two beautiful sweeties that I love and a husband that I adore. My husband and I have not been without problems, but we choose to work through them even when times are tough. I think too many people just choose to get out of the marriage, because marriages and committments take work. I am not speaking for ALL marriages that end in divorce, but many of them.
I know that I find myself blessed to have been raised by both my mother and father and would not change that for anything. although they had a very rocky relationship and really only stayed together for us kids. So in a way I wonder if they would have been happier if they had just called the whole thing off. But I will never know.

One other change in famlies now days is that I think fathers seem to take a more active role in the family other than jst provideing. They seem to be actually having a relationship with thier children. I think this is a great change.
Susan V. May 15, 2008, 9:18pm EDT
I agree with you!
Sammie B. May 15, 2008, 9:50pm EDT
I agree with you. My family has 3 last names...excluding my extended family, of course, just the immediate. xD My parents are with two different people who have introduced new kids to the family...but I think it's great. A family can't have any one specific definition because anything can make up a family. Heck, the way I was raised, even friends constitute family. :)
David W. May 15, 2008, 10:21pm EDT
Interesting thought, but I overdid my last answer so I'm just going to watch everybody play nicely.
Vivian P. May 15, 2008, 11:21pm EDT
My youngest son is divorced and he has joint custody His ex remarried and has a son from her new husband . When my son picks up his two, he more often than not also takes their step brother ( I hate that term step he isn't a step above or below he is their brother ) The kids have three parents and all three really care about the welfare of the children Blood or not. ALl three kids seem very happy
Vivian P. May 15, 2008, 11:23pm EDT
My parents were married almost 50 years and I was raised by both my birth parents I had a sad and terrifing childhood. My father had rages and at times beat us kids. Gee I wonder which family is better off ??
Pepsie J. May 16, 2008, 6:41am EDT
I think we are able to have more choices. Especially women, they don't have to settle for an abusive husband. They are able to divorce without being shunned from society. Thanks
Joe T. May 16, 2008, 7:49am EDT
People used to suffer each other. Many of these families were dysfunctional. Today, with a more relaxed attitude, there is a greater chance of forming healthy relationships with children and adults. People don't have to suffer through such dysfunction anymore.
Kathy D. May 16, 2008, 7:55am EDT
The traditional definition of family only works if all involved are happy. I am very happy with my husband and child and I feel lucky to be in a situation where hubby and I worked out most of the "kinks" before we had our daughter. Much less fighting!!!

Joe T and Vivian have it right on the mark.
Paidra Delayno May 16, 2008, 10:02am EDT
I don't have children so have only myself to look after.
Amy H. May 16, 2008, 11:59pm EDT
times have changed so much.
Sandra T. May 17, 2008, 1:50am EDT
I completely agree with you Danielle! It should be about nurturing not anything else.
*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D. May 18, 2008, 6:15pm EDT
I think the wages of sin is death. I also think the ones that are suffering for our selfishness are our children.
donna h. May 18, 2008, 9:21pm EDT
I was raised with both parents. They were married for 40 years when my mother passed
Elizabeth S. Nov 25, 2008, 3:37pm EST
Ideally, a family would be mother, father and children with loving grandparents living nearby. In life we just have to do the best we can with what we have.

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