"Family Ties" doesn't exactly portray the typical American family. The television show does create this "ideal" family where the parents are both able to maintain individual relationships with each other and their children while maintaining thier own occupational and personal life. Elise (the mother) is a strong enthusiastic mother who is considered a good role model to her daughters. A real family doesn't solve problems in 22 minutes (avg. 30 minute tv show). My family isn't exactly like the Keatons, my family has divorces, arguments, homosexuals, etc...my family coined to term FUN in dysfunctional! :)