There are many different types of families, each of which is equally viable
There is transcendent power in a strong intergenerational family. An effectively interdependent family of children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins can be a powerful force in helping people have a sense of who they are and where they came from and what they stand for.
It is great for children to be able to identify themselves with the ‘tribe’ to feel that many people know them and care about them, even though they’re spread all over the country. This can be a tremendous benefit as you nurture your family.
We are born in one family, to one mother and one father, which gives us a uniqueness that we are unlike any other person in the whole world. This gives us confidence in who we are.
However in a family there are aspects that influence on who we really, the family culture, family patterns, birth order
If a child is having difficulty and doesn’t really relate with you at a particular time in his life, maybe he can relate to your brother or sister who can become a surrogate father or mother, a mentor or a hero for a period of time. E.g. a grandparent who takes personal interest in every descendant is a great treasure (by writing love letters to them). Affirming with words of love, “I want you to know how much I love you and how wonderful I think you are.
A strong intergenerational family is potentially one of the most fruitful, rewarding, and satisfying interdependent relationships.
There are only two lasting bequests we give our children – one of roots, the other of wings.