Conversational topic: Family life

A vocabulary defines family as «people who are closely related». Psychologists usually refer to a family consisting of mother, father and their children, who are either twins or siblings, as a nuclear family. Some of them are one-parent or single parent families. They usually call all the family including aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, nieces, grandparents, daughters- and sons-in law as an extended family.

To my mind there is no exact definition, what a family is. It is a fabulous phenomenon, cemented by blood, which is thicker than water. It is really a masterpiece and as every genius creation of humanity it is immortal. Its roots date back to prehistoric times, and it has made a long way from polygamy to monogamy. Like a real masterpiece it constantly changes preserving its essence. Prehistoric mothers used to be as caring, over-protective and ambitious about their adorable offsprings, as all today’s mothers are.

Most of families start with marriages, which are said to be made in heaven. Ancient philosopher Diogenes said, «Marriage is the greatest earthy happiness when founded on complete sympathy». Like every masterpiece this highly personal matter is strictly controlled and supported by law. Young people nowadays are to understand that it is not enough to promise to love and cherish each other, it is important to realize that they have taken a big step both legally and financially by deciding to get married. A husband is entitled to a married man’s allowance, and both husband and wife can claim tax relief. They start sharing common property and if they decide to split up they will both have to start a divorce proceeding. If they have children and decide to separate they will have to agree who gets the custody over their children and set the proposed arrangements for children to meet both parents.

Every masterpiece is born in pain, so it would be a mistake to think that a happy family doesn’t face any problems. However, clever and understanding parents are always ready to experiment and find the way out. For example, the teenagers are very radical in their opinions. Anything less than fulsome praise is likely to provoke hostility and alienation. A clever parent will show how excited he is by his child’s originality and search for ways to take it further.

The fantastic thing about family ties is that it always stirs the best feelings in people. Everybody craves for a happy family dinner for Christmas. Crestfallen orphans dream about generous loving mothers. Prodigal sons return to support their helpless parents, bound to bed. Most flirtatious wives turn out to be the best nurses, when their husbands get seriously ill.