When thinking of the stereotypical modern american family; some might think father and mother, two kids, a dog and the infamous picket white fence. But this article is not about a stereotype, it's about what the modern american family looks like today.

The simple answer? There is none. There's no simple way to describe or say what the modern american family looks like. America is the country considered to be the "melting pot" so you cannot describe a family by one definition.

What I can say is that a family is what you make it. Sharing memories, building relationships, passing down family rituals; that is what makes up the modern family. It doesn't matter if you have two people in your family or hundreds of people; as long as you surround yourself with people who love you unconditionally, that is what matters. Family members are the people you look up to as role models, trust that they use good judgement, and are always looking out for your best interest.

The family dynamic has drastically changed within the past 50 years. According to the American Psychological Association, 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce. Female and male parenting roles have reversed, same-sex parents, single parents, and foster families; these all are considered to be part of the modern american family.

Not only is a family people that are blood related to you, it's people that have been in your life for multiple years. For example, my parents have had best friends for many years and I've known them since I was born, so to me I consider them my family members. The same thing can be said about my own friendships. My friends that I have had for over 4 years are practically family to me. They know things that I normally wouldn't tell to an acquaintance and they will always be there for me for the good and bad times.

In essence, there is no real way to define the modern american family because we are all blended and mixed in all types of ways. Family are the people that make you feel loved, keep you motivated, and will always have your back. That's what a modern american family means to me.