I grew up in a family that was fragmented and broken, like many others in today's times. Our families are often dysfunctional, yet we still hold onto the traditional dictionary definition of 'family' as a unit consisting of parents and their children living together. This definition does not reflect the diversity and complexity of modern families. Adult-only households, Single-parent households, blended families, foster families, same-sex parent families - all these are real and valid forms of family that our society acknowledges but our dictionaries do not.

Also, many children have been disproportionally affected by dysfunctional parents, afflicted by untreated addiction and mental health issues. Many siblings in such family may not have anything in common with their siblings or parents, and being with them may also be traumatic. 

Thus, the current definition of family may be inappropriate under various circumstances in the modern world. This may also put unfair pressure by community on individuals to support someone who goes against their values.

I propose a push for more harmonious definition of family which may reflect a few if not all of the following:

• A group of people living together over a period of time, and providing care and support to each other. 
• 2 or more people living together over a period of time, providing social, financial, emotional support to each other.
• Include pets in the definition, as applicable. 

Let's urge dictionary publishers to update their definitions. Sign this petition if you believe in acknowledging every type of family structure as valid and deserving recognition and revise the definition to suit a more harmonious world.