Step-parents don’t always get much love from society in general. Most of it is due to stories and myths that often portray step-parents as being evil. On the other hand, if a step-parent wants to step up to the role of being a real parent to their child, they are asked why, since the child is not biologically theirs.

However, Yuri Tiru Pillai Schneider wants to dispel all those ridiculous notions, stereotypes and misconceptions with her book ‘Two Homes, One Family’.

The book revolves around her five-year-old stepson Ian, and helps raise awareness about step-parenting and also teaches toddlers that it is possible to live a happy life as part of a blended family.

Yuri married Ian’s biological father Sven Schneider in 2020.

“We were supposed to marry in March 2020 but the pandemic hit. A few weeks before the ceremony we had to cancel everything. Later on, in May, we got a call from a National Registration Department (officer) who set a date and told us to come over," recalled Yuri during an interview with Malaysiakini.

The very private ceremony with four people (including her brother) was held without Yuri’s parents who could not travel at that time. Sven was previously married and had a very young son, Ian.

“I think people have to bear in mind...