Stepmum support group on FB

[Stepma]

Curious if anyone else on here is on the support group on Facebook now called The Stepmum Evolution? I used to find it a really helpful group to post on for advice and it was pretty much only stepmums so everyone there understands from a step-parent's perspective which was great. It now seems to have become a business group for the woman who set it up though and mainly about promoting her step-parent counselling business rather than the support group it seemed to be when I initially joined. Curious if anyone else has found the same?

It's a shame because I found it such a useful group and don't know of any other UK based groups. Mumsnet can be great but it was so good to have a space that was just step-mums. I know there are more international groups but I find these are pretty US-centric and the values in terms of expectations of a step-parent, as well as the legal side, can be pretty different.

I'm on there. I agree. Any time you respond to something the woman swoops in to offer a workshop or course.

I understand that this is her business and of course she's going to promote it on the group but it seems to be over kill at the moment. I'm now hesitant to respond to anything because I know I'll get a sales pitch.

There's a page called "The Wicked Stepmums". It's not a business page or anything so no promotions or sales pitches. There's also a chat you can join if you want.

Yeah, I had the same including private messages trying to get me to pay her for counselling but I knew straight off from the things she was writing that she wouldn't be the right counsellor for me so I politely declined. I mentioned on someone else's post at one point how I started seeing a counsellor who has massively helped me to process a lot of the things that come with being a step-parent and since then any posts that I have submitted for approval to post have been declined. I find some of the self-made inspirational quotes a bit strange too. I hope she does well with her business and everything but it's just not my kind of group now. Thanks for suggesting The Wicked Stepmums, I'll have a look for that one and try join it.

If I ever posted about something my SKs mum did I'd be offered counselling to deal with my feeling of resentment towards her. DH and I actually have some really good boundaries in place and the drama we receive has lessoned over the years. I've also learned to let go of a lot of stuff outwith my control. On the whole I'm a happy and fulfilled stepmum but every now and again the ex does something mental and apparently I can't vent about it without needing counselling.

I think what she does is amazing and I know she'll be helping a lot of people. You see people posting who are really struggling and clearly have zero boundaries who the counselling is probably a lifesaver for. Generic counsellors just don't fully understand the complexities of being a stepmum. But I think on the whole I manage my situation quite well and I have a really supportive DH.

I'd also recommend following bonus moms on Instagram. They're hilarious and have a podcast too. They're not counsellors or anything just 2 best friends who happen to be stepmoms. Radical stepmoms is another podcast I enjoy.

Having these platforms has really helped me to not feel alone in this stepmum role.

Hi there, yes I've had a similar experience of not being able to find a lot UK based, so watching this thread!

Not UK based but a couple of podcasts that I have found interesting and made me feel less alone are:
Radical stepmoms - (listening to a really interesting one right now actually, s7e3 - tools for managing high conflict...
Also Nacho Kids podcast just lots of different stories. There have been a few British guest contributors too.

Stepmum space is a great UK podcast.

Will need to check out nacho kids.

I love radical stepmoms and bonus moms on Instagram and the bonus mom podcast is great too. Bonus moms does "WTF Wednesdays" where people send in their most step related WTF moments. It definitely makes me thing that actually my SKs mum isn't that bad haha! There was a story about a mum turning up to the dads with an axe!!

Thanks @Illpickthatup for the shout out for 'Stepmum Space' podcast xx

Thanks for the recommendation on Step mum space, I've never heard of it before 😊@thestepmumspacepodcast I have just downloaded and listened to a couple of episodes, particularly enjoyed the one on the 'Recovering Disney Dad'! Might just leave it on for my husband to hear 😂

haha! @JustwantacupfT many of my listeners listen as couples and then use the podcast to open up conversations with their partners xx

I do enjoy a good support group but I've never joined any on FB because never really sure who might see it and I'd be there commenting in the open as me!

Yes I worry about that too @DocOck although my DH's ex is not friends with me, various people who know us both such as MiL & dh's extended family members are on there so I feel a little wary. I think private groups aren't visible to anyone apart from members but I might be wrong?

No my DH's ex is not either (I have her blocked) but DH is and I'd hate him to see my actual thoughts sometimes 😂but you are write private groups are private, however, you don't know if a friend of a friend is in there...

Most groups have the option to post anonymously.