ABSTRACT
Many tears have been shed on the actual or virtual disappearance of the wider family over these past few decades. People move to other cities or countries, divorce rates have increased, and new partnerships mark increased distance from the original family; social mobility brings about geographic and/or emotional distances between family members. Growing up in a wide family network can produce a sense of having some other trusted adult to turn to when one falls out with one’s parents, but again it might be argued that neighbours or religious authorities or teachers or friends might be effective alternatives. The adults have the right to discuss alternatives and reach their decision with regard to where they live, near or far from other members of the family, but our 5–10-year-old children are not given the choice.
