eNEWSLETTER
October 2009
Our Mission Statement:
"Providing a range of innovative professional services, empowering our clients to positively address issues affecting their lives."
Our office hours are from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. After hours and Saturday appointments are available on request.
CHANGING FAMILIES
Some fifty years ago, the concept of family was that of a mother and father, married their whole life, divorce was seen as a something to feel shame over. In fact for many it was an issue that was never discussed. However these days divorce is often a word that is bandied around as naturally as hello or goodbye. Whereas, once marriage was till death do us part, these days, people recognise that when you grow apart from your spouse and the love is lost, the best cause of action is to move on. This means that there are many kinds of families; people are getting married once, twice and sometimes three times, whereas others are choosing not to marry, and simply live together. The concept of family though is not limited to mother and father, often grandparents have to step up to the plate and care for their grandchildren, when one or more parent is unable to.
There are a number of definitions of the new families, a few of which are outlined below. We have the traditional family, the two income family, the step families, the single parent families and the empty nest couples.
Traditional Family
These families are where the father works to bring in the money and the mother typically stays at home and raises the children.
The Two-Income Family
In our changing economic times, it is more common for both parents to be working, sometimes it is the only choice. This means that some families work alternate shifts to make sure their children always have a parent around.
The Step Family of Remarriage
Because of divorce, there is a new kind of family emerging, often a blended family where the mother or father has previously been married and had children. In fact, these families are becoming more and more common.
The Single Parent Family
Single-parent families are defined as households in which there is at least one child under the age of 18 and there is only one parent in the household because of divorce, death or because the parent never married. These days it is often common for a grandparent to be the sole provider for their grandchildren.
The Empty Nest Couple
These are households where the children have grown up and left home and people are winding down their careers and heading towards retirement.
Quote of the Month
Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.
Brad Henry