Families Come in Many Shapes (Year 3–5) (Years 3–5) — Sociology

Discover that families look different from house to house — big or small, one parent or two, grandparents, step-families, adoptive families — and that what really makes a family is love and care.

If you drew a picture of "a family", what would you draw? Different children would draw very different pictures — and every single one of them could be right.

Why this matters: Every child in your class probably has a slightly different family shape at home. Knowing that all these shapes are normal and valid helps everyone feel proud of their own family.

What makes a family a family?

A family is a group of people who love and look after each other, often living together. It is not about how many people are in the house, or exactly how they are related — it is about care.

Different shapes of families

Some children live with two parents; some live with one. Some children are raised by grandparents, aunts, uncles or foster and adoptive parents who love them just as much as any parent. Some children have two mums or two dads. Some live with step-brothers or step-sisters as families change and grow. Every one of these is a real, complete family.

All families are valid

No family shape is "better" than another. What matters is not the shape on the outside, but the love, care and support on the inside.

Sort each description into the right group:

People who love and look after each other
A grandparent raising a grandchild with love
Two dads raising their children together

Having exactly four people in the house
Everyone looking exactly alike

If someone’s family looks different from yours, the kindest thing to say is nothing judgemental at all — just "that’s cool, tell me about your family."