What are the term used when making the distinction between childhood family (mother, father, siblings) and adulthood family (husband & children) ?

Not sure what you mean. Your mother is your mother even when you're an adult, so it's not simply a "childhood" relationship. And it's possible for a person to have a new baby sibling even when well into adulthood. Perhaps you mean the difference between blood relatives (your parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, etc) and non-blood relatives such as your in-laws?

I'm wondering if there are different names for each type of family, the one you grow up with & receive guidance, etc. from, and the family you begin when you leave home, marry, and have children of your own. I realize that members of both are, and always will be, your 'Family', but I thought there were proper names for each type of family; your __ family and your __ family to distinguish the two. I might be mistaken though.

I'm wondering if there are different names for each type of family, the one you grow up with & receive guidance, etc. from, and the family you begin when you leave home, marry, and have children of your own. I realize that members of both are, and always will be, your 'Family', but I thought there were proper names for each type of family; your __ family and your __ family to distinguish the two. I might be mistaken though.


Yes, one is your birth family, the other family (which you marry into) is in-laws.

family you were born into = family of origin

My children are not my in-laws. The terms Im looking for are more sociological. I guess 'Childhood family' and 'Adulthood family' will do. Thanks for trying though. Let me know if anything else comes to mind

Yes, one is your birth family, the other family (which you marry into) is in-laws.My children are not my in-laws. The terms Im looking for are more sociological. I guess 'Childhood family' and 'Adulthood family' will do. Thanks for trying though. Let me know if anything else comes to mind

The fact that relationships change as you mature can be captured with terms like "my childhood family" or "my adulthood family." Similar to how your relationships with your friends can change - you have different experiences with your childghood friends than with your college or work place friends. But I'm not aware of a special term for family relationships at these different stages.

My children are not my in-laws. The terms Im looking for are more sociological. I guess 'Childhood family' and 'Adulthood family' will do. Thanks for trying though. Let me know if anything else comes to mind


I don't know why you are making the distinction - that's what confuses me.

Some of my "childhood family" (parents, sisters) is also my "adulthood family." The only exclusively "adulthood family" I have would be my husband and children.

I don't know what circumstance there would be where I would have to explain or distinguish between the two - ?

She's looking for a generic term that captures how your relationship with your mother (or other relatives) is different as an adult than it was as a child.

She's looking for a generic term that captures how your relationship with your mother (or other relatives) is different as an adult than it was as a child.


Hmm - that's not how I'm reading it but what you are reading does make sense.

I'm still my mother's child.

I don't think there's one word or phrase.

Interesting question.

If I remember from socialogy class.

Nuclear family, your husband, children
Intermediate is husband, children, mother, father, brothers and sisters.
Extended family is all relationships,