Family Issues

There are many different kinds of families. Some have two parents, while others have a single parent. Sometimes there is no parent and grandparents raise grandchildren. Some children live in foster families, adoptive families, or in stepfamilies.

Families are much more than groups of people who share the same genes or the same address. They should be a source of support and encouragement. This does not mean that everyone gets along all the time. Conflicts are a part of family life. Many issues can lead to conflict, such as illness, disability, addiction, job loss, school difficulties and marital problems. Listening to each other and working to resolve conflicts are important in strengthening the family.

External Resources

Diversity and New York - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Teach with Movies learning guide emphasizing issues of cultural heritage, alcohol abuse, families in crisis, female role models, and grieving.

20 Fingers - n Iranian couple in various life situations, expose some of the issues within the confines of tradition and family life.

Family Circle Easy Knitting - Offers preview of upcoming issues, corrections and knitting instructions.

Scrapbooking.com - A new issue is published monthly. Articles on lettering, punch art, borders, and family history.

Red Power Squad - Drug and alcohol free youth that record and perform music and facilitate workshops on a variety of issues like gang lifestyle, disfunctional families, drug and alcohol abuse, HIV and AIDS, life on the streets and rez.

Liz Walker Freelance Writer - Writer specializing in family issues, genealogy, education, business, and the arts. Freelance work includes contributions to Tulsa Kids Magazine, People, Petopia, The Write Edge, and Duke University Gifted Newsletter. Resume and awards included.

Muscio, Inga - Author focusing on the subjects of feminism, environmentalism, racism, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender issues, and sexual and family violence. Official site includes womanifestos, calendar of events, weblog, suggested reading, and links to news and magazines, independent bookstores, music, health organizations, and shopping sites.

The Short Story: A Slice of Life - Materials and ideas for "issues of the family" and "issues of identity," by Jane K. Marshall, from the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute.

John Constantine's Friends and Family - Brief text descriptions; current through issue #8.

Atsuta, Chikako - Essay and writing, mainly on US and Japanese cultural differences and women's and family issues.

Share your story: