We live in a nation of divorces, re-marriages, step-this and half-that and it can make a nasty mess for adults let alone children.

Being able to comprehend the terminology and the repercussions of who is who for a child must be mind-boggling.

If the only sibling you have is a half-brother then he is the only brother that you will ever have. He shares a part of the same blood as you. What made your life also made his.

If we teach children boundaries that exclude others because they are not 100 percent blood- related then family value goes out the window.

This is the same for adults. How can we teach respect if we think that a person doesn't count?

Respect involves both a give-and-take relationship and respect is something that must be earned.

We can have family members who live in a nearby community but we never even talk to them.

We can have family members who are loved more than they are ever seen.

So what makes this thing called family?

Does a person who takes care of you have to be blood-related to be considered family?

I guess it is all about what the individual feels and thinks.

Because in today's society, family can take on many different definitions.

Grandparents sometimes take on parental roles. Mothers and fathers sometimes parent solo. Aunts and uncles sometimes raise their nieces and nephews. Those who adopt are still a family despite blood types.

Variants of family exist around each and every corner. There's extended families, foster families and families who are friends.

Some moms and dads never see their children while others do it all. Some grandparents want in while others want out.

Some parents wish that their own parents would lend a helping hand while others vow to never let their parents see their kids.

A child doesn't understand the deep implications of all of this.

None of it is easy. Raising kids is tough. But, one thing's for certain parenting is the most rewarding job of all.

Life gets tough and family support is crucial in times of need. Whether you have a traditional family or not, being there for one another is what truly makes a family.

Whether you share the same blood or your just share the same house being a family means you also share love, respect and memories.

Family is more than a word. It's also a feeling.