Stepmum Space

Episode 15: Different Parenting Styles & Not Feeling Loved by Your Stepchildren


Listen Later

If you’ve ever given so much of yourself only to feel unappreciated, ignored or unloved by your stepchildren, this episode will resonate deeply. Mia shares the heartbreak of stepping into a family with hope and excitement — only to find herself facing rejection, confusion and emotional distance she never expected.

In this episode, Katie talks to Mia* who became a stepmum to two boys at the age of 46. After a career spent working with children, and having never had her own, Mia was thrilled to take on the stepmum role. But things didn’t unfold as she imagined, and she’s struggled with the painful feeling of not being loved or valued by her stepsons.

They explore the emotional toll of mismatched parenting styles, the sting of unmet expectations, and the quiet grief that comes when the connection you long for doesn’t arrive. This is a gentle, validating conversation for any stepmum who’s ever questioned her place, her worth or whether she’s “doing it wrong.”

Not her real name.

In This Episode We Explore:

  • The emotional pain of not feeling loved or appreciated by your stepkids
  • Why parenting experience doesn’t guarantee stepfamily ease
  • How different parenting styles can create tension, confusion and resentment
  • The grief of unmet expectations when you imagined a close bond
  • What happens when the love you give isn’t returned
  • The internal conflict of wanting connection but needing self-protection
  • How stepmums can build resilience and emotional boundaries

If You Need Support
Book a free introductory coaching call: https://www.stepmumspace.com/booking

Learn more about Katie’s work: https://www.stepmumspace.com

Keywords:
struggling stepmum, unloved by stepchildren, stepmum rejection, different parenting styles, stepmum feeling unappreciated, blended family challenges, stepmum expectations, stepfamily bonding, stepmum podcast, emotional support for stepmums

Helpful Links:
Stepmum Space website: https://stepmumspace.com

Instagram: @stepmumspace
1:1 Coaching & Couples Coaching: https://stepmumspace.com

You deserve to feel valued, supported and emotionally safe — even in the hardest stepfamily moments.

Support the show

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Stepmum SpaceBy Katie South