“Family is what you make it.” Whether made of blood relatives, friends, or pets, or a combination of these, your family can offer you the support you need to thrive.
‘Family’ is a single word, with many different meanings. People have many ways of defining a family and what being a part of a family means to them. Families differ in terms of economic, cultural, social, and many other facets, but what every family has in common is that the people who call it a family are making clear that those people are important in some way to the person calling them his family.
Definition of Family
The dictionary defines family in several ways. One definition is “a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children.” While this definition is a good starting point, there are several modern family structures that are excluded by this definition, such as childless couples or other variations on the family unit. Another definition is “Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another and reside usually in the same dwelling.” This definition encompasses the vast majority of modern family units; for the purposes of this article, the second definition will be used.
Who Makes a Family?
The traditional family consists of a father, mother and children. This is the family shown on television as the standard family. However, the 21st century showcases a variety of family units, some very different from the standard of the 1950s. Today, children are also often raised in single parent homes, by grandparents or by homosexual parents. Some families opt to have no children, or cannot have children due to some medical or emotional barrier. The idea that parents and children make a family is a basic definition; however, in order to accurately 
acknowledge other family structures, a broader definition is necessary. In addition to a more universal family definition, there are also plenty of people who consider a group of friends to be family, and adults who consider pets as defining members of the family unit.
Friends as Family
Many people consider friends to be as close or even closer than extended (or immediate) family. People who have lost close family members may create a family unit of friends with similar interests and goals to become replacements or enhancements to a lacking family structure. This type of family unit, while untraditional, can be 
just as close, if not closer, than a traditional structure. Friends are chosen by an individual; at times, these people may be more special or important than the family a person was born with. In addition, some people who have supportive families also have an extensive network of friends who they consider to be a second family or as additions to their blood or legal relatives.
Pets as Family
Pets can also become members of a family unit. Pets add an element of responsibility to a family, particularly for children. For couples who cannot, or choose not to, have children, pets can be a replacement and be loved as dearly as children. Pets, such as dogs and cats, are cared for as additional family members by many people and are mourned as such as well when they pass away.
Redefining Family
Rather than simply defining family by a dictionary definition, each individual should look to define a family by his own standards, enriching the dictionary’s definition. You can have several families in your lifetime, even several families at once if you choose. Regardless of how you choose to define your family unit, whether it is traditional or unique, your definition is of the family unit that works for you. As the saying goes, “Family is what you make it.” Whether made of blood relatives, friends, or pets, or a combination of these, your family can offer you the support you need to thrive.
Meaning of Family By Michelle Blessing – Mental Health Professional
Teenagers are ending up in psychiatric care after being urged to commit suicide online, social service providers say. Evidence of the toll of social media abuse on teenagers has been submitted to a select committee considering tougher laws against cyber-bullying. In its submission, the Dunedin social services council and community law centre said members had dealt with teens suffering mental issues after being repeatedly urged online to end their lives. On one occasion, a 14-year-old’s identity was outed on an online forum. Within three hours there were 150 anonymous posts, some urging the teen to “go kill yourself”. The teen stopped attending school and was admitted to a psychiatric ward. Another agency claimed that nine out of 10 young teenage girls seen by counsellors were told to kill themselves online, the submission said. “The effects of this kind of post or text on the victims vary widely, but it is fairly common for girls to attempt suicide as a result of being told to ‘go kill yourself’.” Social media could also allow already suicidal teens to connect and get advice for ending their lives. One 15-year-old’s Tumblr page was filled with anonymous tips and links to “how to kill yourself”. The teen later attempted suicide. Girls appeared to be more vulnerable than boys, but both were increasingly likely to have a social media presence, such as a Facebook page, at a younger age, the submission said. 
Cyber-bullying has come under increasing scrutiny, with reported links to suicides both here and overseas. Television personality 
the same night, Paula Kinden was a top 10 finisher in the Miss Canada International competition. Paula Kinden, 25, of Glenwood is Miss Newfoundland and Labrador. She works in a bank in Gander, Newfoundland. She has a degree in banking and is studying for a certification to sell investment funds. She’s with the Isabelle Fry Modeling Agency (one of our favorites). She’s a member of an all-star softball team, likes watching loons on the lake and has traveled all across southern Canada and the northern United States, as far as the West Coast.
is 25 years old and has been working at the TD Bank in Gander since receiving a diploma for Bank and Financing. She is currently studying through the Institute of Canadian Bankers Association to achieve a license to sell Investment Funds in Canada. Paula was crowned Miss Newfoundland & Labrador 1998-999 in September at the Trinity Conception Fall Fair in Harbour Grace and has been travelling the province attending numerous functions, festivals and events. She enjoys children, volunteer work, gardening and modelling. Paula participated in the Trinity Conception/Placentia Health Foundation Telethon, has visited hospitals and senior citizens homes, appeared in two NTV public service announcements, attended the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Conference and the Miss Teen Newfoundland & Labrador Pageant. Paula represented Newfoundland in the 2000 Miss Canada International Pageant in Toronto where she placed in the top 10.
A father who killed his gay son for βshaming the familyβ is facing life in prison.
After repeatedly denying the manslaughter, the father finally confessed in the last hearings.
When 17-year-old Carlos Vigil took his own life in July, his family says the impact was felt around the world. The gay high school student had been relentlessly bullied at school and online. Now, a state senator will introduce legislation in Vigil’s name to try to prevent bullying in New Mexico.“He was a wonderful big brother. He was a wonderful son,” mom Jacqueline Vigil said. The Vigil family spoke exclusively to KOB Eyewitness News 4 about the journey to insure their son’s death is not in vain.”It’s so bad that people didn’t realize how beautiful he was as a person,” dad Ray Vigil said. Each day without their beautiful son feels like a lifetime for Jacqueline and Ray Vigil. For years before his death, watching Carlos face a daily struggle at school, and even at home, was its own great pain. “Every day I kissed him on his forehead, and told him I loved him,” Ray said. “I couldn’t take away what was already done.” Since 3rd grade, Carlos was hurting. The bullies seemed to be everywhere. “My poor boy was just 24/7,” Ray said. “Myspace, Facebook, Twitter. It just, you can’t get away from it.” Carlos’s grandma Dolores Marquez is crusading to keep his memory alive, alongside his parents. “Carlos was a victim of society,” she said “The weapon used? Words.”Marquez says reporting the bullying to grown-ups at school didn’t help. Yet, bullied himself, Carlos still reached out to help others.”He was the one who would stand up against a bully for somebody else,” Jacqueline said. Carlos was working with lawmakers to develop anti-bullying legislation. He planned to run for mayor of Los Lunas when he turned 18 this year. When he died, his family knew they had to fight too. “People are understanding now, that this is an epidemic,” Jacqueline said.
Adolescence is a time of dramatic change. The journey from child to adult can be complex and challenging. Young people often feel tremendous pressure to succeed at school, at home and in social groups. At the same time, they may lack the life experience that lets them know that difficult situations will not last forever. Mental health problems commonly associated with adults, such as depression, also affect young people. Any one of these factors, or a combination, may become such a source of pain that they seek relief in suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people after motor vehicle accidents. Yet people are often reluctant to discuss it. This is partly due to the stigma, guilt or shame that surrounds suicide. People are often uncomfortable discussing it. Unfortunately, this tradition of silence perpetuates harmful myths and attitudes. It can also prevent people from talking openly about the pain they feel or the help they need. Communication is the first essential step in assisting youths at risk of suicide. Learning the facts about suicide can help build a parent’s confidence in discussing a difficult subject.
Reality: Suicide is most often a process, not an event. Eight out of ten people who die by suicide gave some, or even many, indications of their intentions.
Suicide is a complex process. The cause can seldom be attributed to one single factor, such as the death by suicide of a rock star or family break-up. It may be a routine event or an overwhelming one that overloads a vulnerable youth’s coping mechanisms. As well, new research suggests that there may be a genetic link to suicide. A family history of suicidal behavior should be taken into account, if for no other reason than the young person may have been affected by this behavior in the past. Suicidal youth rarely make a direct plea for help. But most will exhibit warning signs.
Dear Terry,
Thanks for all you’ve done this year!
The New B.P 
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