Chapter 14 Family Life Today
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When two families combine, their lifestyles have to be blended
into one. Space, time, and energy resources must be allocated carefully.
Needs and wants of individual members may have to give way to new
family priorities. Each family member needs to be dedicated to making
the new family system work.
Stepfamilies can be happy and successful, 14-5. They can provide
rich new experiences for all family members. When the strengths of
all the family members are combined, the result is a powerful family
structure, full of resources and potential. With time, cooperation, and
understanding, more and more positive interactions take place. Those
positive interactions help increase feelings of self-esteem for each
member and for the family as a whole.
The Extended Family
In the extended family, several generations of a family live together.
A mixture of grandparents, parents, children, aunts, uncles, and cousins
may be found living in one dwelling. Family needs in everyday living,
as well as in crisis situations, are met by family members. In many
countries, the extended family is more common. Many people who
immigrate to the United States bring members of their extended family
with them and live together in one house.
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Life in a stepfamily can be happy, busy, and complicated.