Dear Valued Users,
It's with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of StepTalk.org on August 31st, 2025.
This decision wasn't an easy one. For over twenty years, StepTalk has been a source of support for stepparents around the world! However, over the years, the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading the site to remain secure, meet current standards and maintain availability have become unsustainable.
We are incredibly grateful for your support, contributions and the community you've helped us build. Your engagement has made StepTalk.org a special place and we cherish the memories and connections made here.
We would especially like to thank Aniki for volunteering to be a moderator and for caring so much.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and we wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Dawn and The StepTalk Team
Everyone on the site has read
Everyone on the site has read "Stepmonster" by Wednesday Martin - it is extremely good - gives a very thoughtful analysis of the stepmother role.
Confessions of a Wicked
Confessions of a Wicked Stepmother by Leigh Bramwell
Found this book funny, practical and realistic. It also made me take the pressure off myself to love my step children, and the funny thing is, once I did that, I liked them a whole lot more! Reading this book was the first time that I realised I'm not the only one having a hard time (I had not yet discovered this website)
Good luck and happy reading
I like The Happy Stepmother,
I like The Happy Stepmother, by Dr. Rachelle Katz. She has a lot of good insight and advice.
I highly recommend: Parents
I highly recommend:
Parents Who Love Too Much: How Good Parents Can Learn to Love More Wisely and Develop Children of Character [Paperback]
It's not directed specifically at stepparents; however, it's excellent for understanding how 'guilty' parenting or lack of boundaries affects children in general. Really hit home with my ex-DH. Excellent.
I've read Stepmonster and
I've read Stepmonster and wasn't too impressed with it (a lot of scientific studies and such). I really enjoyed "A single girls guide to marrying a man, his kids and his ex wife." by Sally Bjornsen. It was down to earth and very funny. There were a lot of lightbulb moments that really made me feel better about everything that we have to go through as step mothers.
Stepmonster. Read it. Trust
Stepmonster. Read it. Trust me.