Types of Families

Nuclear Family Parents and one or more children

Single Parent Family One parent and one or more children

Extended Family When a nuclear or single parent family lives with any extended family members

Blended Family A nuclear family in which one or both parents have had a previous marriage and possibly children from that marriage

Adoptive Family May be nuclear, single, or blended; the child is not blood-related to the parent but has been adopted legally

Foster Family May be nuclear, single, or blended; one or more of the children are not birth or adopted. The child may stay with the family for an extended period through special government agencies

Same Sex Family Two males or two females with or without children

Sandwich Family When aging parents, middle-aged parents and children all live together

WOOFS Well-off older folks

DINKS Dual income couple with no kids

Commuter Marriage When one spouse works away from the home for extended periods of time

Cooperative Family When two families live together for economic support

Childless Family Couple with no kids

Polygamous Family Married to more than one spouse at a time