Family

Today, the term family is used to describe a unit that may comprise a married nuclear family; cohabiting family; single-parent, blended, or stepfamily; grandparent-headed household; single-gender parents; commuter or long-distance family; foster family; or a larger community family with several individuals who share the caregiving and parenting responsibilities. Each of these family constellations presents unique challenges to child-rearing for parents as well as children.

Reference: Hagan JF, Shaw JS, Duncan PM, eds. Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents. 4th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2017