Chapter 8 - Parenting Atypical Families

Abstract

This chapter discusses parenting atypical families. There is considerable variety in the types of families: (1) two-parent families, (2) single-parent families, (3) reconstituted families, (4) adoptive families, (5) foster families, and (6) communal families. What used to be thought of as the typical family—husband as the breadwinner and wife as the homemaker—is now the atypical family. Only one-third of the husband–wife families have the husband as sole breadwinner. Four out of every 10 children spend a part of their childhood in a one-parent family, usually with the mother as head of household. Most of these children, therefore, will also spend a part of their childhood in reconstituted families. Parenting in atypical families offers the joy and satisfaction experienced in parenting in typical families. It also includes the typical responsibilities and stresses. In addition, parenting in atypical families brings unique challenges because of the special circumstances of these relationships and often because of prior family conditions. Therefore, the guidance and support of parent education programs, prepared especially for the different kinds of atypical families, is vitally important.