What constitutes a family? Do you need a certain number of people to qualify as being a family? The definition of the word family is considered a group of individuals living under one roof or of a common ancestry. The word group means a unit of two or more. Yes, two people does make up a family even though two does seem to be a bit small to make up a family. Being a single parent of an only child can get pretty quiet at times and is not what you picture when you think of the word, family. The word family evokes thoughts in my mind of a houseful of people. Yet when there are only two people in your household being considered a family does not evoke these same images.
One parent and a child living together under one roof alone mean table settings for two. It is a quiet dinner unless one or the other makes conversation. Going to family functions can sometimes seem awkward, as you are a small group, just the two of you. You definitely stand out in a crowd among larger families. It is not easy on the parent or the child.
The great thing about being just the two of you is the time that you get to spend together. You become very close as you only have each other to fall back on. You can pretty much do as you both want to do or go where you both want to go, as there are only the two opinions or desires to consider. Being just the two of you can have its downfalls and may feel lonely at times, but there are also many advantages to it. Do not forget that you are the parent and they are the child, but that you can still come together as a team, a family. Embrace your only and find the joy in it.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.