"The family is changing, not disappearing. We have to broaden our understanding of it, look for the new metaphors"

This quote by Mary Catherine Bateson speaks to the changing nature of the family unit. In the past, the family was typically composed of a couple and their kids, however today, the household is much more diverse. It can include single moms and dads, combined families, same-sex couples, and extended family members. We should acknowledge that the conventional family structure is no longer the only legitimate type of household. We must try to find brand-new ways to understand and value the different kinds of families that exist today. We should also search for brand-new metaphors to explain the family, such as a patchwork quilt or a web of interconnected relationships. By doing so, we can better appreciate the variety of family structures and the unique ways in which they can bring happiness and assistance to their members.