Question

Identify the four types of nontraditional families. Next, select one type of a nontraditional family and discuss the issues that may be encountered by raising children in this type of family structure.

post a least a 250 word response.

Answer 1

A non- traditional family is a blanketed term used to describe all other types of families that are not traditional. The concept of family has changed in American society over the years. In 2010, the US Census Bureau estimated that only 20 % of all US households were traditional families. The four common types of the non traditional family include:

1. Single parent families - It is a very common form of a non-traditional family, in which a single parent raises the child. Earlier there was a stigma related to single parenting but today single parenthood is considered more acceptable. It may be because of the parent's choice or divorce or any other reason.

2. Cohabitation- It is a sharing of a household by an unmarried couple. This arrangement is quite popular in the US, cohabitating couples and their children made up approximately 15 million households according to 2012 US census. It can also be seen as an alternative form of marriage.

3. Same-sex marriage- They do not have the benefit of two biological parents raising a child. In this type of family, parents of the same sex raise the child.

4. Stepfamilies- the families formed where one or both spouses have been previously married and who may have children from a previous marriage.

Single parent: In this type of non-traditional family, an individual decides to raise a child by himself/ herself without the help of a parent. But raising a child on own is a daunting task, it not only affects the parent but also the child. Following are some issues that a single parent or child may face in this type of family arrangement:

1. Children tend to achieve less in school- The lack of financial support from a second parent can lead the other to have to make ends meet which may mean the child can receive less attention and support.

2. Children can experience emotional effects- Children from single-parent family were twice as likely to experience mental illness, suicide attempts and alcohol abuse.

3. Stepsiblings- It may be distressing for the child when their single parent wants to start a new relationship. They may not like their new guests or feel very overprotective of their parent.

4. It can permanently alter the brain structure- Studies shows that those who grew up without a father had a variation in brain development, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for social and cognitive abilities. This provides a biological explanation for the increased risk of substance and alcohol abuse.