In stepfamilies, new relationships are difficult to negotiate because they begin "in midstream," following the disruption of the original family life cycle Also, new relationships are probably going to continue to develop in multiple ways -- birth of a child to the remarried adults, a parent's new partner and possibly previous children, A child may be a part of two stepfamilies, one with the biological mother and one with the biological father. When a parent has a succession of partners, a child may be faced with a frequently changing combination of parental or adult figures. Consider some these factors and describe some positive psychological approaches that may help a family cope in a positive manner.