Crossword Genius

Family members note stage children are at (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stepsons

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'family members' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'note stage children are at' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'note' could be 'te' (musical note) and 'te' is found in the answer.
'children' could be 'sons' (son is a kind of child) and 'sons' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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