In spite of an increased awareness of the problem, large numbers of children still suffer abuse at the hands of their parents or guardians each year. Although many parents are likely to become frustrated and angry with their children from time to time, most are able to cope with their anger and frustration without resorting to violence.

All family members, no matter how independent, have a direct or indirect effect on the family as a whole. Each family member is an individual, and has personal likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses.

Money problems often result in marital conflicts. People marry with established attitudes about money that stem from their ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

Domestic violence is something that was frequently ignored in the past, but physical abuse of a spouse is now recognized as a serious social problem, and is punishable by law.

Along with the usual difficulties associated with raising children, stepparenting can present its own unique problems. If stepparents have children, they may find themselves siding with them against their stepchildren or even their new spouse.

When a family member abuses alcohol or drugs, the addiction usually affects the whole family. In many cases, a peculiar form of role reversal results.

Successful marriages take a great deal of work and compromise. When a marriages fails, it's often because the two parties don't make the compromises necessary to satisfy one another's needs.