Everyone agrees that the family isn't what it used to be, and rightly so. The ever-changing family dynamics and structure have made it extremely difficult to define a family. Due to modern changes in mores and general attitudes towards relationships and commitment, the ideal of the extended family has become extinct. Now, same-sex marriage, cohabitation, cohabitation, adoption, single parenthood and cohabitation are becoming commonplace: the traditional family unit of husband, wife and children is no longer the norm. Although the concept of traditional family has been redefined, family is still the most vital unit that shapes a person's identity. Every human being is created by a mother and a father, so everyone receives a unique genetic identity from their parents. After birth, parents provide their child with a valuable social identification, a particular name. Birth and name determine a person's first state of identity. Subsequently, throughout life, parental guidance is vital in developing and maintaining that integrity of identification and sense of self. Parents are the first examples that children have in life and they imitate them. During childhood they spend a lot of time with their parents; parental influence is substantial. They learn how to be cared for and how to give and receive love. Subsequently, as children, they are guided and socialized by their parents; they are almost an extension of their parents. Knowingly or unintentionally, children adopt many of their parents' attributes. If parenting traits include respect, responsibility, honesty, loyalty, forgiveness, and generosity, children usually learn this broad range of social skills. Furthermore, it is in the family unit that children learn that a different race or nationality can become very dangerous racists. At different stages of a person's life, parents exert the most important influence on a person's physical, psychological and social well-being. Parents are influential simply because of their overwhelming presence and role in personality development. Idol, friend, teacher, supporter, guardian, mentor and advisor, parents are the perfect role models who shape an individual's current and future life. Works Cited Meinke, Peter. "I recommend it to my son." Read literature and write arguments. Ed.Missy James and Alan Merickel. 5th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2013. 439. Print.Schalet, Amy. “The sleepover question.” Reading literature and writing about the topic. Ed. Missy James and Alan Merickel. 5th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2013. 483-84. Press.