the way we define the word family has changed over the past four decades. for many countries around the world, family still means having a mother at home, a father at work and two or more children. this is perceived to be the traditional meaning of family, but this idea has been redefined to mean a variety of different relationships and household structures. when children are asked what the word mother means, it can be a person who stays home to take care of them or someone who goes to work to support them. on the other hand, when asked to define father, kids may also say that this person is a caregiver or a breadwinner. oftentimes, both parents take on both roles. many people are of the opinion that the partnership between mother and father means following gender roles. nevertheless, many others around the globe are realizing that family, these days, is a word with more than one strict definition. both views have strong reasons.