Throughout the "Earth's Children" series, Ayla and Jondalar's lives are greatly impacted by their families and children.

Ayla, who was separated from her birth family as a child and raised by the Clan of the Cave Bear, struggles with a sense of belonging and finding her place in the world. She eventually reunites with her birth family, the Zelandonii, but still feels like an outsider due to her unconventional upbringing and unique abilities, such as her skill with medicine and her connection to animals. However, her relationships with her family, particularly her sister Uba and her daughter Jonayla, provide her with a sense of connection and purpose.

Jondalar, on the other hand, comes from a close-knit family of mammoth hunters known as the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii. He has a strong bond with his brother, Thonolan, who tragically dies early in the series. Jondalar's relationship with his family is complicated by his decision to leave the Ninth Cave and embark on a journey of discovery with Ayla. However, he maintains a connection with his family, particularly his sister Marthona and his nephew, Durc.

The couple's children also have a significant impact on their lives. Ayla gives birth to Jonayla, a daughter fathered by Jondalar, who is raised by the Zelandonii and becomes a gifted healer like her mother. Jondalar also has a son, named Ryder, with his former lover, a woman named Marona. The children bring joy and meaning to the couple's lives, but also pose challenges as they navigate the complexities of family dynamics and parenting in a prehistoric world.