Is a loving familial relationship more important than perceived normalcy?

Liz Dunphy explores current thinking on the concept of family and talks to an eminent researcher, a donor-conceived adult and a constitutional expert on the current family values.

Two loving parents are raising their children — a teenage boy and a girl — in Co Wexford. One parent loves to cook, and nourish and be at home, the other works outside the home and is spontaneous and always encourages the family to try something new.

Holidays have been shared cycling around quaint Cape Cod villages in the US sunshine, and weekends are for big family brunches on Sundays. They carve pumpkins at Halloween, and look forward to hanging stockings at Christmas. They laugh, tease, play, joke and discipline when necessary.