“Family is a unit that may comprise a married nuclear family; cohabiting family; single-parent family, blended family, or stepfamily; grandparent-headed household; single-gender parents; commuter or long-distance family; foster family; or 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.”

“Collaboration with families in a clinical practice is a series of communications, agreements, and negotiations to ensure the best possible health care for the child…families must be empowered as care participants. Their unique ability to choose what is best for their children must be recognized.”

Resources
Quoted from: Hagan JF Jr, Shaw JS, Duncan PM. What is Bright Futures? In: Hagan JF Jr, Shaw JS, Duncan PM, eds. Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents. 3rd ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2008:1-10.