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The traditional idea of a 'nuclear family' - a married man and woman with their children - is becoming less common in Britain, although it is still the norm. Less traditional types of families include single parents and same-sex couples with or without children.

Some people argue that the standards, morals and values that are learned in a traditional family are harder to absorb in a less traditional family. Other argue that such values can still exist regardless of who makes up the family. In addition, a more fluid understanding of 'family' can allow people to feel as though they belong to a family even if it is not a traditional one.

Many people in Britain still value the family for the support it can give to each individual. However, some people place less emphasis on the importance of the family, arguing that emotional attachments to people are often more important than blood connections. Some might argue that the 'family' who provides your support should consist of only the people you want it to.

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The Catholic Church believes that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. Children should be able to grow and flourish, supported by their actions, teachings and examples of their parents.

Parents should help their children to appreciate different aspects of life, particularly differences between right and wrong, and how to live according to Christian principles.

Parents need to be conscious of their authority over their children as well as their love for their children. The end product of a child's education is an independent, balanced human being, who has great self-respect as well as immense respect for their parents and the rest of society.

The family atmosphere should be one in which each individual is valued, offering an environment where peace and forgiveness are experienced on a regular basis. When children experience these qualities in a deeply meaningful way as they grow up, they will continue to practise them throughout their lives.

"Family communion can only be preserved and perfected through a great spirit of sacrifice" - Familiaris Consortio 21

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Children need a stable, safe environment in which to develop. Development comes through experiencing life and responding to challenges.

In a loving family environment, these challenges can be presented in a way that ensures the child will be not be harmed. The parents and older siblings play their part in helping a younger member of the family learn how to take part in the life of the community.

The parents' role is always to be supportive, though at times this may translate into 'tough love', creating conditions where the risk of failure or hardship ultimately helps the child to develop.

"The fundamental task of the family is to serve life" - Familiaris Consortio 28

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The Catholic Church teaches that the family is the best environment in which to bring up children, who are visible signs of the love the parents have for each other.

It is through having children that the couple make their own family, adding another level to the families in which they themselves were raised and nourished

"The welfare and future of a State depend on the ability of the smallest unit, the family, to live and develop" - Youcat 370