Just 200 years ago, people lived in large patriarchal families, with grandparents under one roof. With the advent of the industrial era, a nuclear family of two spouses and one or two children appeared. But times are changing — and there are alternatives to the family that we are used to considering traditional. When we look for life partners, we increasingly proceed from what we want, and not from what is accepted. Personal life has turned into an individual project that can be implemented in a variety of ways. This book is about how the institution of the family is changing, what types of relationships between men and women exist today, and what alternatives are emerging. Svetlana Kolchik is a journalist with 20 years of experience. Based on real stories and numerous interviews, she talks about what a Boston marriage, a patchwork family, living alone are, and for what reasons people choose certain ways of living together.

You must admit, a bonus mom sounds much more positive than a stepmother, - Erica smiles, pouring me apple juice. — Yes, the parents got divorced, it's sad. But then the child often gets a bonus in the form of another mother or father and, at the same time, possibly additional brothers, sisters and other relatives.

For whom
The book will be of interest to those who are not satisfied with the traditional patriarchal way of life for various reasons, as well as those interested in the alternatives that exist in the world.

When a son was born in the new marriage, Alexey decided to build a relationship with him from birth. He was left alone with the baby many times and is now convinced that every man should take at least a few months of maternity leave, and as early as possible.