The Modern Family Era Sees The Emergence Of A New Parenting Option

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Changing social attitudes in the new millennium about when, and how, to start a family are transforming the way people are choosing to create their families.  The American family is evolving: today, the majority of U.S. households are not headed by a married couple, and more adults than ever are remaining single. Yet many of these unattached adults are still thinking about parenting and families; in fact, a recent study found there are close to five million people in the United States in their mid-30s and older who are single, childless and still wish to be parents.  Now there is a new parenting option for these millions of Americans who want to become parents, but who don't want to have a child alone as a single parent or with an anonymous donor.  Family By Design announced its launch today as the first online resource and community for people looking to form parenting partnerships and build a family.

"Being single in your 30s and 40s no longer means that your only family choices are either single parenthood or not becoming a parent at all," said Darren Spedale, founder of Family By Design and author of Family By Design: The Complete Guide to Successfully Finding a Parenting Partner and Navigating the Co-Parenting Process (to be published May, 2013).  "Popular shows like Modern Family, 30 Rock and The New Normal are reflecting the desires of many adults who are not in traditional relationships to become parents and have a family of their own.  Family By Design provides many of these real-life 'aspiring parents' with a new opportunity to create and build a family."

The concept behind Family By Design is helping people create parenting partnerships.  Parenting partnerships, sometimes called "elective co-parenting," occur when people who are not romantically linked build a relationship with each other around the purpose of raising a child together.  Family By Design provides a community where responsible adults interested in a parenting partnership can meet one another, with the goal of finding their ideal parenting partner.

The site also provides expert advice and valuable resources to help aspiring parents every step of the way – from understanding the basics about parenting partnerships to helping these modern families get the support they need as they raise their child.  The Family By Design team includes leading experts in all fields related to the modern family – including legal, medical, psychological and financial experts.  Other site experts include adults who are already in successful long-term parenting partnerships.  Family By Design also provides opportunities for people currently in parenting partnerships to connect with others in similar situations.  

"For many people, the desire to be a parent and have a family is strong," said Spedale, who is single and was inspired by the many dozens of parenting partners he interviewed around the world – and the learnings they shared with him – as part of his research for his new book on parenting partnerships.  "Our goal is to help people explore opportunities for parenthood in a responsible and thoughtful manner."

While parenting partnerships may be relatively new, social and demographic changes in the U.S. suggest that they will have an important role to play in the future.

In addition to the fact that more adults are delaying family-building until well into their 30s to focus on personal and career development, a 2010 Pew Foundation study found that Millennials (people aged 18-29) value parenthood more than marriage.  Whereas 52% of Millennials believe that parenthood is one of the most important things in life, only 30% say the same thing about a successful marriage.  Additionally, that same study found that Millennials were less likely than previous generations to agree that marriage and parenthood need to be linked.[i]

Family By Design was founded to provide help and guidance to millions of adults worldwide wishing to share their love, values and resources with a child of their own.  Family By Design is committed to the values of any modern family – to love, care for and protect one's children, and prepare them for success in the world.  For more information, visit www.familybydesign.com.

[i] Pew Foundation, "For Millenials, Parenthood Trumps Marriage," 2010.

SOURCE Family By Design