Getting promoted from "kinda sorta family" to "gaining a son"

My recent engagement to my partner of seven years has got me thinking about families and what makes a family again. Especially when both our parents started congratulating each other about gaining a son/daughter.

• What were we to them before?
• What did this mean my stepdaughter was to them before?
• Surely the last seven years (almost six living together) had some significance?

It reminded me of my brother's wedding (this year) when he made his speech and referred to my partner and stepdaughter as "kinda sorta family"!

One of the most thought provoking and challenge subjects that I completed as part of my masters degree was Families in Context by the lovely and brilliant Emma Pearson ( http://www.iec.mq.edu.au/staff_bio.aspx?sid=303) - the aim of her subject was to get us to challenge traditional notions of the family and reflect on its impact on early childhood practices. When I return home I will post a complete of discussions related to this issue that I completed for the subject.

How do you ensure that you recognise ALL families in your practice?

Building society: Picking up Rubbish

My friend works collecting rubbish on Bondi Beach. He was telling about how the other day on the beach a small child (in front of him) dropped his lolly in the sand. The child proceeded to come up to my friend and point out the lolly to be picked up - no asking just pointing. His mother was there and watched the exchange.

This story troubles me.... what do you think?

• Should the child have asked?
• Should the child have picked it up himself?
• Was the mother reinforcing that some people in life will be there to pick up her child's rubbish all time time?
• What would the child do if the garbage collector wasn't working there?

Would love to hear your thoughts....