what's your definition of family?

Question

i work in social service and we often ask if they're close to their family, or if they have support from their family [not always the same thing] but we don't always ask exactly who they define as their family.
we've been assuming, and i think that's probably not best practice.

thanks,
e~

Answer 1

Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

Answer 2

Junk Man- I see you've mastered the art of sarcasm.

I think family can be defined as a group of people who support and encourage each other and love unconditionally. Of course, by that definition I've never had a family- neither has most of the people I've know. But Ideally, that is really what makes a family. Not being related through the sharing of genes.

Answer 3

I tend to agree. I have friends that I am closer to than my family. I keep my friends in the loop more than, say my parents, siblings, etc. However, in cases where the person in question is maybe a reclusive type, family may be the only ones that they communicate with. I think you're onto something, though questioning the tendancy to just assume. You may just have to go on a case by case basis. Let your clients tell you what family is to them and go from there. I have friends who were unfortunate enough to be abandoned by their family because of whatever reason so they've always had to rely on people who are not necessarily blood related but they consider family.

Answer 4

Quite apart from other possible answers to this, "my" definition of family are blood relatives - mum, dad, siblings, auntys, uncles, cousins and grandparents. These are the "family" one "expects" support from but in real life doesn't always pan out that way - in fact, some family members are not worth having... so people "adopt" friends and others into their life and refer to them as family. So a very close friend or friends can become "family" simply because of a shared sense of love and caring for each other.

Answer 5

Just try asking if there is anyone they are close to. Everyone defines it different. For me, it is my close group of friends. Due to issues with my family, they do not fall into the category of anything other then people I know. Some people may not open up if they are in this position, I didnt for a long time. Just try phrasing so its open to them for any answer they want to give.

Answer 6

Certainly NOT what it is today !!!

in the 1950's the family was a unit. Then came the 60's, drugs, peace, war, love, hate, flowers, hippies, chaos, racism at it's high point. Since then everything went down hill and everyone else is to blame for why their kid is so messed up.

NOT - It's because the parents were the people who were doing
the drugs, peace, war, love, hate, flowers, hippies, chaos, racism.

In one generation how to be a parent and a family was lost.

Answer 7

well sometimes like in my case , i live in georgia and my sisters and mom and dad all live in virginia so i have just gotten some close friends here that i consider my family. But my definition of family is someone who will respect your feelings and support you in life decisions and someone who doesnt do sneaky things to hurt you behind your back. hope this helps

Answer 8

Family has 2 definitions: Those people who are kin by birth or adoption, and/or those who are our immediate circle of friends who support us emotionally and occasionally physically - when we're ill or hurting and also share our successes and joys, as we do theirs. Sometimes those who constitute "family" are both of the above, sometimes not.

Answer 9

Family to me are people i love unconditionally, and i know love me as well. No-matter how much u annoy or argue with someone u know that no-matter what happens they're gonna be right there with u!

Answer 10

Family: people related and/or totally loyal to you that you accept as you would a relative.