A man or woman may have a number of plasaj relationships in a lifetime. Children born from one plasaj relationship regard offspring from another plasaj as brothers and sisters and often live in the same household without conflict. If parents separate, a child may take either the father's or mother's last name. Haitians value both their family reputation and their children, and take pains to ensure that all children receive equal inheritances. Children are considered a gift from God, and are treated accordingly.
Children also provide security in old age.