How to Include Stepchildren in a Family Tree

Some may think that stepchildren should not be included in a family tree, as it interferes with the authentic ancestry denoted by the tree. But you wouldn't want to leave out those kids who, even though they are not blood relatives, are beloved members of the family. Let stepchildren know that they are an essential part of the family by including them your family's tree. These instructions begin at the point where your grandparents are listed, even though your tree's history may very well extend much farther back.

Instructions

    • 1

      List the father's father (paternal grandfather) and the father's mother (paternal grandmother) on the left side of the tree.

    • 2

      List the mother's father (maternal grandfather) and the mother's mother (maternal grandmother) on the right side of the tree.

    • 3

      List the father and his siblings below and between the father's parents. Put the father on the right side of the list.

    • 4

      List the mother and her siblings below the mother's parents. Put the mother on the left side of the list.

    • 5

      Identify the spouses next to the names of parental siblings.

    • 6

      List the mother's new spouse, if applicable, next to the mother and label it as "stepfather."

    • 7

      List the father's new spouse, if applicable, next to the father and label it as "stepmother."

    • 8

      List children of the mother and father between and below the mother and father.

    • 9

      List children of the new spouses directly below the stepmother or stepfather and label them as "stepbrother" or stepsister."

    • 10

      List any children had by the parent and his new spouse between and below the parent and his new spouse and label them as "half-brother" or "half-sister."

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