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The article presents the author's analytical method for qualitative family mapping which was created by bringing together elements of psychology and sociology. Although created inductively, this method has two sources: Kvebaek's sculpture technique and Jorgenson's research into young families with children. The family mapping method is based on an open concept of the family, the 'definition of situation' and is associated with the interpretive tradition in sociology and symbolic interactionism. The gathering of the data includes three steps: listing, mapping and in-depth interviewing. Four characteristics of the method can be distinguished: visualisation of individual conceptualisations, the gathering of verbal and non-verbal information, triangulation within the method and the active (creative) participation of an individual. Examples from empirical data show that the method is contemporary and offers innovative tools for social research. However, the method's advantages have implications both for the researcher and for research ethics.

The article deals with new family structures as consequences of temporal migration of one or both parents abroad, while their children live in Lithuania alone, looked after by relatives, state institutions. The extent of this trend poses a challenge to family institution. The questions are raised whether these transnational family structures become an alternative to a nuclear family as was the case with cohabitation, commuting families, and LATs? What cognitive and emotional charge is contained within the public discourse of these families and how these new structures can be conceptualized in the academic field? The authors of the article seek to discuss the results of three sociological research studies, carried out from 2004 to 2006. Triangulation of methods and theoretical reflection of this new family form is presented. The data disclose the way families with parents abroad are portrayed in Lithuanian press and internet portal. Stigmatization and stigma management strategies experienced by children are reported. Theoretical reflection of new family form in terms of family stress and social exchange theories are discussed as well as explication of risk dimension and social networking are suggested.