彼は妻子を田舎に残して、職を求めてぶらぶらしていた。
With his wife and children in the country, he was at loose ends for something to do.

彼は妻子を捨てた。
He abandoned his family.

鳩山さんが競馬で妻子を養っていると言っています。
Hatoyama says that he supports his family by gambling on horse racing.

妻子は運命に与えられた人質である。
Wife and children are hostages given to fortune.