The Meaning of Family
...ies that can be seen throughout the world today. However, I feel the values associated with a family are what make a true family, whether they are related or not. The values of a family determine the role it plays on the members lives. I believe an essential characteristic of a family is caring for one another. The willingness to do anything for a group of people makes individuals a family. This group could simply be a group of individuals with the same religious beliefs or even a close group of friends. Caring can include raising a young child or supporting an aging elder. Another trait of a family is respect for one another. A family member should understand other members’ feelings and be willing to take the appropriate action. The action could include just listening, encouraging, or even disagreeing with the individual, but should always be what is best for them. The characteristics of an ‘ideal’ family could go on forever, but have these characteristics changed from the past? I believe family values are changing and probably changing for the worst. I think the modern era promotes everyone to be independent of others. This has had an effect on the role of the family. Coming from a small town, strong family values are plentiful, but the change is evident. The traditional families usually are large farm families that stay in the area to support one another. With family members in close vicinity, it is very simple for the entire family to gather for holidays and special occasions. In addition, young children can easily be watched by grandparents or other relatives to watch over them. Elderly grandparents have the comfort of sons and daughters close by. I also feel the bond of working at home on a farm was very conducive to building strong relationships in the family. However, traditional families are becoming scarcer. Modern families are sending their children to college and having them move all over the country. The strong family support is still there, but a lot can be lost with distance. Smaller families are more common, so there are fewer family members for direct support. Television also seems to be tearing on families. Family bonding events are being replaced by watching a movie in front of the television. Many modern families are feeling the effects of the independent world...