What does a broken family mean to you?

A “broken family” typically refers to a family unit that has experienced a significant disruption, often due to divorce, separation or the death of a parent. The term can also be used to describe families with unhealthy or severed relationships, even if parents are still together. While commonly used, the term “broken” can be stigmatizing and may not accurately reflect the experiences of all families who have experienced such changes, particularly in the cases of divorce or separation.

Ohio ranks near the bottom of the states in family structure health. When family structure health decreases, we see a rise in child poverty, violence, poor academic outcomes and a decrease in population. The challenge is helping people who are living in “broken” family structures to see the value in the “traditional family structure” (defined as a married man and woman and their children living together in the same home).

I’d like to introduce you to two single moms and share their thoughts with you about families. This subject is very sensitive to them as they were both passionate about their answers. Both young moms were defensive when I asked the questions but wanted to share their opinions. After seeing their backgrounds you can imagine why it hurts to talk about what families look like to them.

Dana was in and out of foster homes as a child and adopted as a teen. She lives with her boyfriend of many years, her 18-year-old daughter (w/1-year-old son) and 13-year-old son (both by different fathers).

Katy was raised by her aunt. She has four children by three different fathers. Her children have open Child Protective Services cases. She lives with her boyfriend and three of the children, while the fourth child lives with a different aunt.

I asked these questions: What does being a family mean to you, and what is a broken family?

Dana: “My definition of a family is people who accept you for who you are, even if you have a difference in opinions, who love you, care about you, want the best for you, give help and support to get you there, and are there for you when you need them. They stand by you no matter what; they respect you and are honest with you. These people do not have to be related to you by blood. I do not believe blood makes you a family at all! Your actions do!

A broken home to me is where your parents are unkind to you and do not do what they are supposed to do for you as your parents. I do not believe a broken home has anything to do with whether or not the parents are together. That just means they have two homes. If they have one active parent, they have a home. It’s not broken; it just looks different.”

Katy: “A broken family to me is when a child doesn’t have a mom or dad, when the mom or dad just give up on a child. Even if the child still has his/her dad or mom, it’s not broken. It just means that they’re a family without the other person. To me when there are no parents in the home, when they just give up on the kid and the kid has nobody, I feel like that’s a broken home. To me having one parent alone or one parent and a step-parent, that is not a broken home. To me that is a safe home, a good home. To me a broken home is when both parents give up and walk away from children like they meant nothing.

Dana and Katy clearly love their children deeply and are working hard to provide loving homes for them--and Starting Point is here to help moms like them raise their children well in spite of tough circumstances. Understanding the value of traditional “family structure” will help build better communities for future generations in Ohio. The resources and education we offer are steps in the right direction. We have been sharing posts and statistics to educate our community and partners about the importance of Family Structure. (See Link Below).

Through prayer, volunteering and partnership, you are sharing this burden for young families. Together, we can help young moms like Dana and Katy see beyond the brokenness and offer God’s truth and love to them.

Committed and hopeful,

Jenn Furay

Executive Director