Unusual Families

Today many families don't fit the traditional image of mum, dad and a couple of children. Some start off with no resident dad, others develop into single parent families after divorce and many involve a complex mix of stepchildren and stepparents. But living in a family that's splitting up or reforming can be stressful and the traditional image of stepmothers in fairy tales definitely doesn't help. Here are some books that present a more positive picture as well as giving children a chance to voice their fears.

My Stepfamily
by Rosemary Stones
(Happy Cat)
Kim likes her mum's new boyfriend, Tim, but she's not so keen on his daughter, Clare. When Tim moves in, she finds it difficult changing from being an only child to a big sister, especially as Clare is unhappy and insecure herself. But the situation gradually improves and, when Clare is teased by some older girls, Kim finds herself coming to the rescue like a real big sister. This picture book looks at both the minus and plus side of becoming a stepfamily so is a good starting point for talking to children.
Ages - up to 10
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Children don't divorce
by Rosemary Stones
(Happy Cat)
This book is told through the eyes of a small girl who lives happily with her mum, dad and younger brother until her parents split up when she's six. It deals sensitively with her distress and anger, her reluctance to tell her friends and her wish to keep in touch with both Mum and Dad. In addition, it looks at her anxiety when Mum finds a boyfriend and her realisation that this means her dream of her parents getting back together is never likely to happen. Reassuringly, the book ends with the statement that "Even if they don't live together, your mum and dad will always be your mum and dad."
Ages - up to 10
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Two Homes
by Claire Masurel and Kady MacDonald Denton
(Walker Books)
Alex's mum and dad live apart so he has two homes. That means he has two front doors, two bedrooms and two favourite chairs. But his friends come to play with him at both homes and his mum and dad love him wherever he is. A reassuring book for small children in a split family situation.
Ages - up to 6
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