I've only played the hour trial (will be buying it sometime next week, I think) but I've been reading all the threads here.

Make the option of adopting always available. I heard one player say that even though the only child in the family was about seven, the parents still said it was too soon to have more. So I think it'd be nice for players to adopt kids even if the parents don't want any more - or if the parents are too old to have their own. Adoptees could range in age from baby to teen. Give the player a few characters to choose from.

Along those lines, up the number of kids. Allowing the family to have more when some kids move out would be a good way, but I wouldn't mind having a couple more bedrooms added so I could have them all in the house at once. And might as well make it a big number since it's just a game ... fifteen, maybe? ^_^

College emails should become more frequent, with events added. Like, you have the option of sending money if they want/need something. Or they come to visit for a few weeks. Or they send gifts/money. I also like the idea of writing back to the family.

It'd be nice to be able to choose the house at the beginning when you're adopting the character. Maybe give like ten options of houses.

Nursing mothers should be able to work. If not, then let the father carry the baby for a little while. Or, even better, give the option of putting the baby/toddler in a crib or playpen for a little while.

If one parent dies before the other, leave the option for a child to take over the house with the parent still in it. Similarly, if a child is still underage when a parent dies, have an older sibling take care of them. Have family reunions (or holiday and birthday parties) in the second generation where the old siblings come to visit for a little while.

I agree about better interaction with pets. And maybe they have different effects on the family. Calming, happiness, sadness if a pet passes away, etc..

And I also like the remarriage idea. If a player's adoptee becomes a widow they should be able to find a new spouse. You could also put the option of divorce. And maybe marrying someone who already has kids.

That's all I can think of right now. I'll probably be back with more. ^_^