Traditionally speaking, nuclear family is a unit of two married parents and biological or adopted children. Today, the term can mean different things. Knowing this type of family can help you understand the relationships in your family. Also called as a traditional family, this unit may have any number of kids. Plus, either a parent or both may work outside the home. There are many other types of family you maybe interested to know about .
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Advantages of a Nuclear Family
As with other types of family, nuclear one has advantages. Here are some:
- Every member develops greater independence and self-sufficiency.
Unlike self-parent families, children in this type feel complete. They have parents who can support them. They would also learn to be responsible. But this depends on the parenting style.
- Each family member shares bonds with their relatives.
Over the past few years, nuclear family is known for being intact. They spend quality time with each member, leading to a strong, meaningful, and happy relationship.
- Conflict may rarely happen.
Because of the positive bond each member shares, conflicts between different generations would not always happen. All are close enough and understand each other. They promote camaraderie, respect and other good ethics.
- Fast development of personality.
Like other families, a nuclear one plays a crucial role in the personality development of individuals. Children are closer to their parents. They may have enough time to discuss about their problems, resulting in personality development. This also allows kids to know what is good or bad. It is an opportunity for them to feel how their parents love them and vice versa.
- Better condition.
In nuclear families, woman’s condition is much better than joint families. She has ample time to take good care of her children. She can also manage her house according to her ideas without the elder’s interference unlike extended family . Furthermore, her husband devotes his attention to the wife.
- Enough number of kids.
These days, raising children is not simple. It’s expensive but fulfilling. Family planning program makes less number of children possible. Most importantly, the success of a small, nuclear family depends on parents’ communication, agreement, and patience.
- Peace and harmony.
Of course, all people want to have peaceful and harmonious life. This is common in nuclear families because conflicts hardly happens. Each has the same perspective, giving them the chance to enjoy good rapport.
- Shared responsibilities.
As with joint family, there is no shifting of responsibility in nuclear family. The parents are the ones to take care of their children. While the wives are looking after their kids, their husbands work hard to provide all their needs. While in some nuclear family the responsibility is shared.
- Problem free family.
In-laws conflicts are not common in nuclear families. Financial problem does not commonly happen. Parents can save money for their children’s future. Each can enjoy an independent life and have the leeway to engage in economic activities. Also, the heads of the family consider their kids’ will and desire. All become emotionally secured and there is no superiority complex.
- Innovative living.
Conjugal family set up allows a couple to decide or establish conducts to lead their own lives. They can make new rules, customs, and rituals. Both of them can mix the best of their rituals to form an acceptable and new culture.
Disadvantages of a Nuclear Family
Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect family. Every type has imperfections. Here are the common downsides of a nuclear family:
- Economic disadvantage
The property of a nuclear family is divided among the children. Subdivided land does not provide high yield that leads to uneconomic holding. Others need to hire laborers to achieve their goals. So, economic loss is a huge dilemma in this unit because they have to pay people.
- Extreme insecurity of children.
Another disadvantage of nuclear families is that the children are neglected. Usually, they are looked after by their immediate relatives or servants because their parents are both busy with their work. Not only do they feel emotionally insecure, but they will also feel lonely. They get depressed over a long time. What they need is love and attention. As parents, find ways to spend quality time with them. No matter how hectic your schedule is, always consider your kids.
Many people say that once a bread winner of a conjugal family dies, there is nobody to support the bereaved members. In times of emergency such as sickness and accident, they are neglected. But it depends. This does not always happen. And not all families can ignore the members who are in need.
- A place to develop bad qualities among children.
Also known as an autonomous unit, conjugal families are free from the control of elders. As a result, children may acquire and develop bad qualities. They also become unsocial because they don’t have the chance to mix with other relatives and peers. As parents, expose them to people. Enroll them in an acting, dancing, or singing class. Let them participate is school’s activities. Or encourage them to engage in volunteer works. At the end of the day, you will find how they overcome their introvert personality.
- Extreme loneliness.
Feeling of loneliness is another drawback in this unit. Parents become alone, especially when their children are already grown up. As a child, make sure to spend time with them during weekend. Or you can visit your parents every weekday. During a special occasion, surprise them with a gift. They will surely appreciate it. Get the most out of your time with them to avoid regrets in the future.
- Insecure for widow and old.
In this family unit, old and widowed are also neglected. Perhaps, no member in the family bothers to look after them. They feel psychologically and physically insecure.
Apart from that, children are emotionally, socially, and educationally maladjusted. There is always the risk of family breakage when conflicts arise. But this depends upon the situation. It seldom happens. It is a case to case basis.
- No enough access to pieces of advice.
There’s no doubt that parents understand life better. They can also offer pieces of wisdom that play a vital role in having a good life in the future. With this kind of family unit, you can lose such a useful advice. As a new parent, don’t make a fast decision. Get your partner’s opinion and make sure to seek help from your parents. That way, your decision will be a right choice.
- Loss of culture or heritage.
Joint families have traditions that are passed on to the next generations and choosing a nuclear family would lose all these things. When you will start a family soon, you can freely decide the kind of unit you want to have. Whether you prefer to continue the culture of your family or let your future children learn it, a conjugal family is not a perfect option for you.
- Grandparents, parents, and children will miss out on a close and strong relationship.
They will rarely see each other. Sometimes, they will only see one another during a special occasion because of a hectic schedule. But if you want to keep the relationship meaningful and fun, try your best to visit your parents. Not only can they see their grandchildren, but also they can spend quality time with you.
- Pay for childcare.
When you’re getting a mom or a dad soon, how are you going to adjust? Of course, you will be the one to take care of your baby. But once your maternity leave ends, who will be the one to look after your child? Well, you have to pay for childcare. When you decide to live with your parents or in-laws, you may have someone whom you can count on and trust.
So, do you want to build a nuclear family? It’s your choice! Whatever your decision is, you will always experience challenges along the way.