Different Structures of Families in Our Communities
The Many Kinds of Family Structures in Our Communities
Julie Olsen Edwards
Based on the author’s work with Louise Derman-Sparks in Anti-bias Education for Children and Ourselves NAEYC 2009
Children grow up in many different structures of families, and, at different times in their lives, their family structure may change. For young children, the family in which they live is the
“normal” family. It is when children enter group programs outside of their homes that they discover that there are many kinds of families and that the important adults in those programs may or may not think of the child’s family as “normal” or acceptable.
One of the most important tasks for early childhood educators is to treat each child’s family with respect and help each child feel proud and strong about their family. It is important to learn about the many structures of families and to realize that different families may have quite different issues, needs, strengths and values. The following terms may help you to think carefully and respectfully about each family. These terms are not exclusive - several terms may apply to any family at the same time. It is important to find out right away which term/s each family uses to name itself, and to use the terms that the family chooses.
Adoptive family: A family where one or more of the children has been adopted. Any structure of family may also be an adoptive family.
• Sometimes children (as well as adults) use the term” real parents” instead of “birth parents”. Be clear that the adoptive parents are the real parents because they are raising the child. Intervene if other children tease an adopted child with comments such as “That isn’t your real mommy”. Do not automatically assume that any problems a child may be having are due to adoption.
Bi-racial or multi-racial family: A family where the parents are members of different racial identity groups. Trans-racial adoptive family: A family where the adopted child is of a
Julie Olsen Edwards
Based on the author’s work with Louise Derman-Sparks in Anti-bias Education for Children and Ourselves NAEYC 2009
Children grow up in many different structures of families, and, at different times in their lives, their family structure may change. For young children, the family in which they live is the
“normal” family. It is when children enter group programs outside of their homes that they discover that there are many kinds of families and that the important adults in those programs may or may not think of the child’s family as “normal” or acceptable.
One of the most important tasks for early childhood educators is to treat each child’s family with respect and help each child feel proud and strong about their family. It is important to learn about the many structures of families and to realize that different families may have quite different issues, needs, strengths and values. The following terms may help you to think carefully and respectfully about each family. These terms are not exclusive - several terms may apply to any family at the same time. It is important to find out right away which term/s each family uses to name itself, and to use the terms that the family chooses.
Adoptive family: A family where one or more of the children has been adopted. Any structure of family may also be an adoptive family.
• Sometimes children (as well as adults) use the term” real parents” instead of “birth parents”. Be clear that the adoptive parents are the real parents because they are raising the child. Intervene if other children tease an adopted child with comments such as “That isn’t your real mommy”. Do not automatically assume that any problems a child may be having are due to adoption.
Bi-racial or multi-racial family: A family where the parents are members of different racial identity groups. Trans-racial adoptive family: A family where the adopted child is of a