Families are not the way they used to be. Back in the day you had a dad, mom and a couple of kids. These days families come in all different configurations. Some families have two moms, or two dads. Some families have more kids then you can count (hello Duggar family). There are some families with just one child, and even families made up entirely of foster children. Single parts. Grandparents raising grandchildren… there is no such thing as a traditional family anymore. I’m OK with that. I like diversity.
My family situation is different than others. I was raised by my paternal grandparents. They are my mom and dad. They always have been. I was also raised along side my biological father. My aunt and uncle were essentially my sister and brother.
Sound confusing? It was. And I guess for some people it’s still a confusing set up. I don’t see it that way. I was blessed to have a mom and dad who loved and cared about me a lot. And I was raised with my father who also loves and cares about me a lot. In fact my husband and father are the best of friends. Usually people complain about the in-laws but my husband adores my father and stepmother, and the feeling is mutual.
I like that the media is embracing the fact that many families these days are unique. Take for example the ABC Family show Baby Daddy where a young baby is cared for by her father and her father’s friends. Another example would be Full House where a man and his children share a house with his best friends who also help to raise his girls.
It’s not often you’ll find families like The Cleavers. Today’s modern families are a hodge podge of different configurations. You can even toss cousins, aunts, uncles and pets into the mix because some families include extended family members too.
There is a new original comedy airing on Netflix about a new kind of blended family. It stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The show is called Grace and Frankie. The show also features Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston.
When Grace and Frankie’s husbands leave them after 20 years of marriage—to be with each other—the women find themselves facing a change that they never expected, but they shift their perspective to get through it together with the support of their new blended family and, of course, a sense of humor.
I haven’t had the opportunity to watch the show yet. I think I’ll “binge watch” it this weekend. I’ve seen a preview for the show and it looks really funny. I’m looking forward to watching it. I don’t think it’s a “women’s show” either. It looks like something my husband would enjoy too.
Netflix has a lot of available content that explores families and just how diverse they can be. Below are some fabulous examples.
1. Lily’s Driftwood Bay
2. The Tigger Movie
3. Guess How Much I Love You: S1E5 Big Like You
4. Angelina Ballerina: Superstar Sisters
1. Crash & Bernstein
2. Life with Boys
3. Spy Kids
4. Russell Madness (Available 5/10)
1. Raising Hope
2. The Fosters
3. Gilmore Girls
4. Life Unexpected
I’ve never seen The Fosters but I hear it’s a really good show. I’m going to see if I can start watching it on Netflix too.
Netflix has some new programming coming on the horizon too in case you were interested. I’m looking forward to Puss in Boots and King Julien.
1. All Hail King Julien (new episodes 4/3)
2. Littlest Pet Shop: Season 3 (4/21)
3. Lalaloopsy: Festival of Sugary Sweets (5/2)
4. Puss in Boots (new episodes 5/8)
5. H20 Mermaid Adventures (5/22)
6. Richie Rich: Season 2 (5/22)
7. Mako Mermaids: Season 3 (5/29)
Each and every family is unique. Even if you have a more traditional family I am sure that there is something special and unique about YOUR family.
Tell me about your family. Is your family more along the lines of a traditional family or do you have a more modern family, like my family arrangement? Feel free to share your stories. I always love to hear from my readers.
To see what other great programming is available on Netflix visit Netflix.com. You can also find them on social media.
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I am part of Netflix’s ambassador program. I received free membership and an Apple TV in exchange for my participation. The opinions expressed are my own unless otherwise noted.