Families and Homes

What Is a Family?#

A family is a group of people who love and care for each other. Families come in all different shapes and sizes. No two families are exactly the same — and that is what makes each family special!

Many Types of Families#

Here are some examples of the different kinds of families people have:

• A family with a mum and a dad and one or more children
• A single-parent family — where one parent looks after the children
• A family with two mums or two dads
• A grandparent family — where grandparents look after their grandchildren
• A large, extended family — including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all living nearby or even together
• A blended family — where two families come together when parents remarry
• Adoptive families — where children are lovingly welcomed into a family they were not born into

All of these families are real and wonderful. What makes a family is not just who is in it, but the love and care that everyone shares.

Family Members#

Here are some family member names to know:

• Parents: mum, dad, mother, father
• Siblings: brother, sister
• Grandparents: grandma, grandpa, nan, granddad
• Extended family: aunt, uncle, cousin

Some people call their grandma "Nana" or "Gran." Some call their father "Baba" or "Papa." Different languages and cultures have different names for family members!

Families Change Over Time#

Families can change. New babies are born and join the family. People grow up, move away, get married, and start new families. Sometimes family members pass away. But the love and memories we share with our family always stay with us.

Your family is unique — there is no other exactly like it in the whole world!