What type of family typically consists of a heterosexual couple and their offspring?

A nuclear family is typically defined as a family unit consisting of two parents and their biological or adopted children living together in one household. This structure is often characterized by a heterosexual couple and their offspring, which aligns perfectly with the question. The nuclear family is a common family arrangement in many societies, focusing primarily on the direct relationship between parents and their children.

Extended families, on the other hand, include additional relatives beyond just the nuclear family, such as grandparents or aunts and uncles, living together or maintaining close relationships. Adoptive families are formed when parents legally adopt children who are not their biological offspring. Childless families consist of couples who do not have children, whether by choice or other circumstances. Each of these family types differs in structure and dynamics, which highlights the specificity of the nuclear family definition in the context of this question.