A survey of the family system as it exists today is presented. Initially, a comparison is made between the present system and the family system in other times and places. The three principal subjects of this paper--all interrelated--are families, change, and youth. The point is made that child marriages have not been exclusive to primitive peoples; they have occurred also in Europe and India, for example. With respect to change, it is noted that we are currently in a process of geometrical and constant change. It is pointed out that an attempt should be made to answer the questions of what we should want for young parents and their children and how we should facilitate their efforts to define and achieve what they want. The following views were expressed by high school students on the subject of change: (1) Change itself is a value; and (2) Most parents don't recognize change and they resist it. Plus and minus elements of the extended family are discussed. Other aspects of the three principal subjects which are covered in this paper include: psychological independence, economic independence, early separation between parents and their adolescent children, early marriages, and day care. (CK)