Jane Thrall

Fam · i · ly : 1 a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit . 2 all the descendants of a common ancestor .

I remember working at a business that offered a family discount to its employees . As an adult single woman with no children , I wasn ’ t allowed to offer a markdown to anyone because the business defined my family as my spouse and children .

The definition of “ family ” doesn ’ t seem to encompass all the different and imaginative households that actually exist today . Some people still seem to envision nuclear families as the default format , despite the fact that we ’ ve evolved far beyond Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best .

In more recent years , TV has introduced us to single parents , LGBTQ2S + parents , and children raised by grandparents , teenagers , and even aliens . These shows only begin to sample the vast array of different household situations .

So what then , should be the definition of family ? Census Canada defines a family as a married couple ( with or without children of either and / or both spouses ), a common-law couple ( with or without children of either and / or both partners ) or a lone parent of any marital status , with at least one child . A couple may be of opposite sex or same sex .

That feels like a very simplified version that doesn ’ t consider foster parents or other members of the extended family who may be caring for children . Some societies use terms like “ Auntie ” or “ Uncle ” liberally , referring to anyone who plays a role in the life of a child .

In many cultures , families are large and multigenerational with grandparents , children , and grandchildren living under the same roof . These joint families provide social support , share tasks , pool finances , and afford a sense of security .

A family is not just those who share your last name , nor should it be restricted to people living under the same roof . Families are made up of people who care for each other , despite their differences .

Jane Thrall remains a family of one by definition of the government . Not to worry , like many of her Gen-X peers , she embraces the company and support of friends .

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