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
Julieann you already know the
Julieann you already know the answer to this - of course it's not acceptable for a 12 year old to be up at 3 am. I'm guessing the reason you're asking us is because your SO has told you that it's no big deal, you're overreacting, he's just a kid, he's not bothering anyone, blah, blah blah.
Honestly I'm so sick of these spineless men defending their poor parenting skills. So to answer your question: no it's not normal but unfortunately there's nothing you can do about it.
GivingTree - you make sounds
GivingTree - you make sounds and logical arguments but I think you are forgetting that most of the fathers we vent about on this board don't use logic when it comes to their kids. I would bet he won't enforce a bedtime no matter what this SM says and, if she tries to parent this boy herself I am betting he won't have her back. Sad but true.
My skids are 9.5 and almost
My skids are 9.5 and almost 11. They g to bed at 8pm on school nights [wake up the is 5:45] and 9pm on weekends.
I have tried later times and they just dont work out. 830 led to falling asleep during hw and daily complaints to the teacher about how they were too tired to do their work.
Later times on the weekends made them even more irribable and the fighting increased drastically. AND I need my down time and sleep too, and my skids can't be left unsupervised.
I don't see their bedtimes changing any time soon.
My skids are 9.5 and almost
My skids are 9.5 and almost 11. They g to bed at 8pm on school nights [wake up the is 5:45] and 9pm on weekends.
I have tried later times and they just dont work out. 830 led to falling asleep during hw and daily complaints to the teacher about how they were too tired to do their work.
Later times on the weekends made them even more irribable and the fighting increased drastically. AND I need my down time and sleep too, and my skids can't be left unsupervised.
I don't see their bedtimes changing any time soon.