My, how times have changed.  Some recent statistics released by California First Lady Maria Shriver and  the Center for American Progress document how much they have changed.  In 1975, the only employed member of families was the father in 44.7 percent of families.  In 31.1% of families, both parents worked.  And at that point in time, only 3% of families with married couples had only the wife working.

Today, only 20.7% of families have only the father working; 43.5% of families have both spouses working, and now 3.8% of married couples have only the wife working.

I can remember a few years ago when I was working with former Utah Governor Mike Leavitt, his staff had done some research on families in Utah.  His family model, which was the traditional one (married couple with multiple children and only the husband employed) constituted less than 20% of Utah households.

One of the conclusions of the Shriver report is that not only are couples sharing in providing income for the family, but they are sharing in other family duties as well.  Read more about this new report on the changing role of fathers and see how your family situation stacks up with the statistics.

This story was so impressive to me.  Two men with the same  names, PFC Alonzo Branch Jr. and Sergeant Alonzo Branch, are serving in the Army at Camp Taji in Iraq. In this case, they are related - father and son.  They share a bond not only through their family relationship but also in their military service  Read the article about these two incredible soldiers and the opportunity they have to serve together in Iraq.

Photo courtesy of Dvidshub.com. All rights reserved.

With the holidays fast approaching (can it be that time of year already?), you may be getting nervous about the behavior of your kids around the big crowds. Are the manners of your children in social settings embarrassing to you? Find out the best ways to teach them the whys and hows of well mannered and respectful behavior.