In the film "Parenthood" there are several dysfunctional families. Diane Wiest's family seems to be the most dysfunctional of the four. Some might feel that her family's problems are overblown and don't exist in today's society. However, Diane Wiest's family is a good representation of the typical modern family because like Wiest's family today's families deal with such issues as lack of interaction, absentee parents, single parenthood, disrespectfulness, and the pressures of life. .
In Diane Wiest's family there is very little social interaction between family members. Whenever Helen sees her rebellious son, she ecstatically greets him "Gary". However, Gary never interacts with his mother. He just avoids her and leaves the house. When Helen asks Gary questions occasionally he will answer but with only one word sentences. This is as close as their relationship gets.
This lack of interaction is common in modern families, especially single parent households. Usually the parent works constantly and therefore can't spend the time needed with her children to develop a healthy relationship (Divorce 254). Therefore, the child feels isolated so when the parent does have time to interact with the child, it is hard because it is almost like they are talking to a stranger.
Another problem Helen has is her promiscuous daughter Julie, who is having premarital sex with her boyfriend Todd. Whenever they interact it is because of something negative. Like when Helen accidentally picks up the photos or when Julie is having problems with Todd. Helen kicks her out, and she marries Todd and becomes pregnant. Soon they are both living with Helen.
Premarital sex is an issue that modern day families have to deal with. Sex is everywhere on television, movies, and the Internet. More then half of seventeen year-olds have had premarital sex (Beck). Many parents kick their children out of the house when they reach a certain age a major reason is because of problems between the parent and child.