1. Nuclear
Includes husband, wife, and one or more of their biological children
Advantages---two parents support one another and raise the children, possibly two incomes
Disadvantages---none

2. Extended
Includes all relatives in a family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins
Advantages---may be extra babysitters, gain knowledge from elders, division of labor
Disadvantages---additional authority figures, more crowded, physical care of elderly

3. Single-parent Includes one parent and one or more children
Advantages---only one authority figure, less parental conflict
Disadvantages---demanding, no one to share responsibilities with, stressful, possible lower income, no second gender role model, possibly fewer hours with children

4. Blended
Includes married couple, each spouse’s children from previous relationships, and any children they have together
Advantages---“instant” family, opportunity to be around children
Disadvantages---challenge of adjusting to others’ presence and needs, have to share parents and family resources, conflicting expectations of parents and extended families

5. Adoptive Extended
Parents and one or more children that are permanently and legally placed; (these families may be nuclear, single-parent, blended or extended family structures)
Advantages---solution for couples who cannot have children
Disadvantages---children may feel rejected by biological parents, short transition period to parenthood
Babe Ruth

6. Foster
A family unit that serves as a substitute family for a child. (These families may be nuclear, single-parent, blended or extended family structures.)
Advantages--- temporary care, emotional issues
Disadvantages--- children may have emotional and legal issues from their birth families, instability in placements so frequent adjustments required, competition with biological children and other foster children