Families

For homework this week, I read an essay named "Stone Soup" by Barbara Kingsolver. In this essay she argues the validity of the "normal" American family. The normal perspective of a family consists of a father, mother, and usually a son and daughter. She argues that this idea of family is because of post-war thoughts on America. She claims that there are many functioning families in America that don't fit this criteria. Many families are "plagued" with divorce and other situations.

It is now common to see blended families. A blended family is one in which one or both parents were previously married with children from the previous marriage. In many cases both of the parents have children already and they blend the families my coming together.

Personally I believe that if a blended family comes about because of previous circumstances, it can go both ways of either being a functional or nonfunctional family. I think it all depends on certain circumstances. First of all the soon to be spouses but be willing to accept their "new" children. They must accept them as their children and love them the same. In some cases though I have witnessed that the parents agree to keep each owns' kids to themselves. Which is different but if both parties agree to it, then it could work. Also the future siblings must be able to get along even if there isn't instant chemistry. Their will be lots of work and effort to be put into creating a good family. I believe though that if the family truly strives to love each other and put off selfish ambitions, then the family will work. They just have to set aside any differences and come to agreements. I truly believe that a blended family can work with real love and effort.