The American family seems to be in a state of constant change, with each family having its own unique set of experiences. Americans are increasingly concerned with what is happening in today's families and what may happen in the future. Four family issues merit further attention: (1) Divorce and its effects on family members; (2) the formation of step families through the process of remarriage; (3) the feminization of the elderly and the need for women to build strong supportive networks of female friends early in life and accept the possibility of later single years as another phase in the female life cycle, and (4) babies having babies. Research points to the importance of the parent-child relationship and parent-child communication in preventing unwanted pregnancies. Although families may be in for some difficult times, they also have the power to remain strong and healthy. (NB)