The presentation below illustrates an overview of family life in the US

2. INTRODUCTION
 The traditional family structure in the United States is considered a
family support system involving two married individuals providing care
and stability for their biological offspring.
 However, this nuclear family has become less prevalent, and alternative
family forms have become more common. The family is created at birth
and establishes ties across generations. Those generations, the extended
family of aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, can hold significant
emotional and economic roles for the nuclear family.
 Over time, the traditional structure has had to adapt to very influential
changes, including divorce, single-parent families, teenage pregnancy,
unwed mothers, same-sex marriage, and increased interest in adoption.
 Social movements; such as, the feminist movement and the
stay-at-home dad have contributed to the creation of alternative
family forms, generating new versions of the American family.

3. Marriage and Family in USA
 The family remains central to US society, and more than half of unmarried adults between the
ages of 18 and 24 still live with their parents. Even so, the American family has changed
considerably in recent decades.
 Today only about one-quarter of all households consist of a traditional nuclear family, and
more than half of all households have no children. One out of every four children is born out
of wedlock, and there has been a large increase in the number of single-parent families.
 A major percentage of all working Americans are women. In many households where both
the husband and wife work outside the home, men are expected to share household duties.
Men have also been playing an increasing role in raising their children.
 Among the growing proportion of the elderly population, many prefer to live in their own
homes and maintain their independence. Those who cannot care for themselves may live in
retirement communities or other institutions, or with their adult children. However, extended
families are not common in the US. The US family is more mobile than in many other
societies.
 It is common to move from one region of the country to another for education, employment,
or simply a change of climate. Some people may move 15 times or more during a lifetime.
Although many couples choose to live together before, or instead of, marriage, the marriage
rate is one of the highest in western societies-but the divorce rate is also the world's highest.
Weddings vary in style according to religion, region, ethnic origins, and wealth.
 The average age for marriage is 26 for men and 24 for women.

4. Diet and Eating in USA
 Eating styles and habits vary between people of different backgrounds,
but Americans generally eat with the fork in the hand with which they
write. A knife is used for cutting and spreading; otherwise, it is laid on
the plate or table.
 Fast foods; such as, chips, fried chicken, hamburgers, pizza, and tacos,
tend to be eaten with the fingers.
 There is a significant difference between what people may do at home or
in a fast-food restaurant, and how they act in a more formal restaurant.
 Because both parents often work outside the home, some Americans are
less likely to sit down as a family to eat once the children are older and
able to prepare their own food or serve themselves.

5. Socializing in USA
 Both men and women usually smile and shake hands when greeting.
 Good friends and family members may embrace when they meet, especially after a long
absence.
 In casual situations, a wave may be used instead of a handshake. Americans may greet
strangers on the street by saying "Hello" or "Good morning", although they may pass
without any greeting. Among young people, verbal greetings or various hand-slapping
gestures; such as, the "high five", are common.
 Except in formal situations, people usually address one another by their first names
once they are acquainted, and often do so on first meeting. Combining a title ("Mrs.",
"Dr.", or "Ms.") with a family name shows respect. When greeting someone for the
first time, Americans commonly say, "Pleased to meet you" or "How do you do?". A
simple "Hello" or "Hi" is also common.
 There are regional variations such as "Aloha" in Hawaii or "Howdy" in parts of the
West. Friends often greet each other with "How are you?" and respond "Fine, thanks".
Americans do not usually expect any further answer to the question unless there is a
close relationship.

6.  Americans do not generally stand very close to each other when conversing,
keeping about arm's length apart.
 It is common for couples to hold hands or show affection in public. When
sitting, both men and women are often casual when circumstances allow, and
they may prop their feet up on chairs or place the ankle of one leg on the knee
of the other.
 Visiting friends, family, and acquaintances plays a big part of social life in the
United States, and people will travel long distances by car, bus, train, or airplane
to do so.
 People are generally expected to be on time for appointments or when they are
invited to someone's home.
 However, if a guest is late, Americans will rarely take offence if the visitor has
called in advance to inform them of the delay.
 In general, the emphasis during visits is on informality. Guests are expected to
feel comfortable, to sit where they like, and to enjoy themselves.
 It usually does not cause offence if a guest refuses refreshments. Gifts are not
expected when visiting, but many guests bring flowers or wine when invited for
a meal. Close friends may offer, or be asked, to bring an item of food to serve
with the meal.

7. Recreation in USA
 Baseball, basketball, American football, and ice hockey are the most popular
spectator and participation sports, but Americans enjoy an enormous range
of activities, including soccer, cycling, racket-ball (a hybrid of squash and
handball), tennis, swimming, golf, bowling, martial arts, walking, jogging,
and aerobic exercise.
 Schools, cities, and other organizations sponsor team sports for the young,
and professional sports are an important part of the culture.
 In general, most Americans spend a large amount of their leisure time
socializing or watching television.
 Other leisure activities include going to the cinema or concerts, picnicking,
and traveling.
 Many Americans volunteer for a wide range of causes, from raising funds
to help those who are less fortunate to tutoring students or leading Scout
troops and youth sports.
 Even city dwellers enjoy spending time in the "great outdoors", camping,
hiking, or hunting.