ABSTRACT
This chapter explores:
how one in three people are in a step-family situation;
what is meant by step-parenting and step-families and the range and complexity of step-families;
negotiating and understanding relationships with existing and new family members;
losing old families and the impact of attachment and loss;
that the dominant discourse about ‘nuclear families’ can marginalise the experience of those living in step-families;
the extended family – staying in touch with family members; and
early years (EY) settings and schools working with step-families.
