These days, modern families come in many varieties. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter, “Nuclear” families and, in their place, are so many wonderful possibilities for what a family unit looks like. Although my husband and I fit into the traditional mother, father and kids dynamic, we both come from extended families that are very non-traditional and this continues to enrich both of our boys on a daily basis. It has allowed our kids to respect and appreciate everyone, regardless of whether they are traditional or non-traditional.
My husband actually comes from a blended family so he grew up with stepparents and step siblings which allowed him to be surrounded by a lot of love and many positive role models. Marrying him opened my eyes to all the wonderful attributes of families that might seem quirky but are truly perfectly imperfect in many ways. I’ve learned that the details of how the family is structured matter a lot less than all the love and support that each, unique family member has to offer.
Grace and Frankie, Netflix’s new humorous original comedy featuring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, is a prime example of how today’s families can shift, rearrange and blend in ways that were never previously imagined. When Grace and Frankie’s husbands leave them after 20 years of marriage—to be with each other—the women find themselves facing a change that they never expected, but they shift their perspective to get through it together with the support of their new blended family and, of course, a sense of humor.
I wouldn’t trade our modern family for anything in the world. At the end of the day, the only difference between our family and other families is that our sons have an extra set of grandparents, extra aunts and uncles, and more cousins than they could count! These early lessons in tolerance and acceptance of others, in all walks of life, will be carried by my boys throughout their lives and will help to create a better world for all of us to live in.
Let’s Discuss: What is it about your modern family that you wouldn’t trade for anything in the world?
Disclosure: This post is part of a blogging campaign in collaboration with Netflix. As a member of the Netflix Stream Team, I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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My family is mostly traditional–of course after my Dad died my Mom remarried but not until I was around 17 or 18 . My step brother and sister are both older then I am. Theirs was also a traditional life before and after.
We are a blended family and I think we are perfect. We meshed together beautifully right from the start.
My family is definitely a modern family. With three adopted children and step children and in laws that live with us. We don’t fit that 1950’s definition of family – nor do we care or try to.
No family is perfect. It’s love that makes the family <3
My father passed away right before I was born and my mother remarried 4 years later. I had 3 sets of grandparents and all of the aunts and uncles and cousin to go with that. In addition, my parents came from families with 7 or 8 children so we were really a big extended family and I loved every minute of it. I wish that my kids could have had the same experience.
I came from a blended family, with lots of step siblings. My family now is more traditional, as I’ve been with my husband since we were teenagers. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, though I do think I learned so much from my own up bringing in my own blended family.
Grace and Frankie looks like an interesting show, I haven’t seen it yet but it is on my list! What an amazing family you have.
I wouldn’t trade my family for anything. We are pretty traditional, but my son in law has totally integrated into the family.
I love my family’s quirks and silly habits. They may annoy others, but I love them and wouldn’t change them.
What a great looking family you have there!
We are a typical little, well, big family. I think we are typical anyway. Generally get along, and we all love each other and wouldn’t change a thing!
I love Grace and Frankie! I think it’s hilarious and I can’t wait for more episodes to be on Netflix.
Modern Family is one of our family’s favorite shows. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are great in Grace and Frankie!
My kids have had their step dad in their life for 16 years. I am so thankful for everything he has done for them.
My modern family right now is mixing Vietnamese, Chinese & American culture into one. I think it’ll be interesting once we have kids 🙂
What do I love about our modern family? I love that they communicate by text, it makes me laugh. I am the Black Sheep there, I’m not big on texting. 😉
My family is a mix of French and British. It blends well perfectly and we won’t change it for all the money in the world
My family is pretty far away from me in Florida and Jamaica, but we try to get together often. My immediate family is just myself and my 2 kids
I love that our family is extended and made up of all different types of people. We are like a beautiful, unique rainbow!
My family is a modern and blended family and we all love to live the traditional life. We love watching movies and shows on netflix. The pictures are beautiful enough to say you have a wonderful family.
We are pretty boring. My family was a traditional one. Mom and Dad stayed married until my Dad passed away at the age of 82. Mom lived to the grand old age of 92. There were 3 of us kids.
We have a small family but still very nuts and fun! I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I will say the most exciting thing to happen was my brother coming out after turning 30 to my parents. We all new but it was never stated. I love that he felt comfortable and that my parents are super supportive.
we have an unconventional family, my husband isn’t my daughter biological father, but he is the best father she could ever have.
My family has to be the craziest, silliest, fun joking family ever. I wouldn’t trade them for anything cause there is never a dull moment. I always smile and am in full laughing mode whenever they are around. They really know how to have fun and make the best of everyday.