Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Tyla. Tyla Wonders, “What makes a family” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Tyla!

How many families do you know? You probably know many members of your closest friends’ families. You may also know the families of some of your classmates. You may have also noticed that not all families look the same. But they do have one basic similarity. Families are closely bound by their love and concern for one another.

Some families have one parent—either a mom or a dad. Some have both a mom and a dad. Others have two moms or two dads. If two parents get divorced and remarry, you may be seeing double. There can be two sets of parents!

Some kids live in families with foster parents. They care for children when their biological parents cannot. Other parents choose to adopt children to love and care for.

When adults get married, one or both of them may already have children. The marriage joins not just two individuals but also two families. Many call these new families “stepfamilies” or “blended” families. They are a new blend of people who were already part of other families.

In a stepfamily, one parent might be called a stepmother or stepfather. If both parents have prior children, these children might call each other stepbrothers and stepsisters. In some cases, they might just call each other brothers and sisters instead.

As many of us know, a family isn’t limited to parents and their biological children. The word “family” is a big word. It covers many other types of loving relationships. In many cases, all members of a family don’t even live together. Lots of people consider good friends to be part of their family.

Family members are often close. They feel they can depend on one another for caring guidance and support. A family could include grandparents, aunts and uncles, godparents, or close friends. What is important is the love or common interests that bind them together.

Regardless of biological relationship, you may be a part of several “families.” Your school classmates may be a family to you. Your soccer team may be a family. Your fellow Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts may be a family, too.

How many families are you a part of? What makes each one special? Take some time today to talk with your family members about what makes you a family.

Standards: CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.SL.2, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.W.7, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.L.2, NCAS.A.1, NCAS.A.2, NCAS.A.3

Wonder What's Next?

Can you samurais tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day for us?