The Age of Shakespeare - Penguin health Author:Suzie Hayman Step families are as old as any other family unit but suffer from a negative image and therefore negative expectations. Most adults who find themselves thrown into a relationship with other people's children suffer significantly from isolation. They feel guilty about any difficulties they encounter and cannot discuss any anxieties or antagonisms... more » they feel with others. Most young people in this situation have even less recourse to support or discussion. Both groups find that the only available picture of what a stepparent is and a stepchild experiences is found in fairy tales, such as "Cinderella" and "Hansel and Gretel". An agony aunt and counsellor, Suzie Hayman is herself in a step-relationship and brings sympathy and understanding to the difficulties involved in adjusting to a new family. Making use of case histories, she offers insight into the complex reactions of all concerned.« less