In the past, the most common family structure was the “nuclear family”. Today, family groups are more flexible, and children may be raised in households with step-parents, unmarried, lone or same-sex parents. In addition, parental roles are no longer split according to gender and working patterns have therefore changed. This book looks at the changing shape of the family, at different methods and styles of parenting and at issues for working parents.

The information comes from a wide range of sources and includes government reports and statistics, newspaper reports, features, magazine articles and surveys, literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations.