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Family Dynamics

What makes a family? Learn about traditional and non-traditional family relationships, including single-parent families, families with gay parents, military families, and more. Try these tips for making your family work regardless of your family make-up.

Most Recent

'It Doesn’t Get Easier, but I Get Stronger': How Family Traditions Helped One Mom After Child Loss

After her 3-year-old son, Ryan, passed away unexpectedly six years ago, Jacqui Saldana and her husband found solace in her lifestyle blog, family traditions, and a promise to live in the moment. Today, she says that things don't get easier, but she's gotten stronger.
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I Became a Single Dad at 19 and Here's My Advice to Others

I started raising my two kids on my own after their mom began using drugs. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but I knew I never wanted my kids to grow up without a dad the way I did.
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Why I'm Letting My 3 Year Old Help Plan My Wedding

I'm not only including my daughter in my wedding, I'm also allowing her to have a say in the planning. Here's why.
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Raising Five Siblings: 'I Became Their Mom, Dad, and Sister at 17'

After the tragic loss of her parents, Samantha Rodriguez stepped into the role of caregiver to her five younger siblings at the age of 17. Together, they represent the selfless love it takes for a family to thrive.Ā 
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Are ā€˜Granny Pods’ Really the Ideal Guest Room for Grandparents?

Multigenerational housing has become both a blast from the past and a forward-thinking trend thanks to the invention of the "granny pod," a free-standing home for grandparents that goes in the backyard. But before you ask the in-laws to move in, here's a look at the perks—and potential drawbacks—for parents.
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'I Had 4 Babies in 13 Months': How IVF, Surrogacy, and a Surprise Pregnancy Grew a Loving Family

After two unsuccessful rounds of IVF and a miscarriage, Tracy Caliendo turned to surrogacy to expand her family. What happened next made the family of three a family of seven.
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More Family Dynamics

25 Grandmother Name Ideas We Love

Do you think the the traditional titles ā€œgrandmaā€ or ā€œgrandmotherā€ sound stuffy? Then choose one of these alternative nicknames that kids will love.
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The Do's and Don'ts of Stepparent Discipline

If you're a new stepparent, read our expert-approved rules for correcting the kiddos.
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This Is How to Introduce Your Teenager to Your New Partner

In this week's 'Teen Talk' column, a young adult describes the dos and don'ts of introducing a new partner to your kids.