Typical stepfamilies and intact biofamilies...
   are composed of unique adults and children with talents, limitations,      needs, friends, responsibilities, wounds, bonds, losses, conflicts, values,      boundaries, histories, ancestors, dreams, fears, successes, and failures;
   are managed by adults, who (usually) try to nurture dependent kids toward      successful independence;
   follow predictable human and family developmental stages;
   acquire, use, and maintain dwellings, vehicles, and physical and financial      assets;
   depend on clear thinking and effective communication to get their needs        met;
   work to stabilize family roles, rules, rituals, boundaries, and goals; and...
   both kinds of family system interact with human and Earthly environments
    as contributors and  consumers.

Co-parents and family supporters who focus mainly on these similarities risk seriously underestimating the impacts of over 60 differences between typical stepfamilies and intact biofamilies. Co-parent  Project 3 and Project 4 help to guard against this. 

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