ABSTRACT
The Middle Stages are a period of hard labor in stepfamilies involving major changes in family structure and establishment of much new middle ground. In the Later Stages, most of the hard construction work has been completed. Family members now shift more easily between insider and outsider positions. Stepparents begin to feel at home and now have a well-defined, satisfying role. Biological parents no longer feel constantly torn between children and spouse. Children feel clear about their place in the family and begin to feel that the family is solid and reliable.
