For stepmum support, tools, workshops and coaching, visit: https://stepmumspace.com

If you’ve ever had the thought “I wish my partner didn’t have kids” — and then immediately felt guilty, ashamed or like a terrible person — this episode is for you. Sarah* speaks with honesty and bravery about the feelings many stepmums have but rarely say out loud.

In this episode, Katie talks to Sarah, who describes herself as “not particularly child friendly” and absolutely not someone who planned to date a man with kids. But when a casual fling turned into love, she found herself unexpectedly in a relationship with a recently separated dad of three young children.

Sarah talks openly about:

• Wishing the children didn’t exist
• Fantasising about a child-free life of travel and romance
• Feeling conflicted because her stepchildren were lovely… but she still didn’t want this life
• The shock of going from single and child-free to living in a full stepfamily home
• The pace of blending and why she regrets how quickly they moved in together

She also reflects on the complexity of not wanting a “stepmum role” while still making thoughtful, caring decisions that protected the children’s wellbeing.

This is a validating, deeply human conversation for any woman navigating feelings she’s been too afraid to admit.

Not her real name.

In This Episode We Explore:

• The hidden truth of “reluctant” stepmotherhood
• Why love for your partner doesn’t automatically mean love for the role
• The grief of losing a life you imagined for yourself
• The pressure to bond when you’re not emotionally ready
• How to handle guilt, resentment and internal conflict
• Adjusting from independence to instant family life
• What Sarah wishes she’d done differently — and what finally helped

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

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

Keywords:
reluctant stepmum, struggling stepmum, stepmum guilt, stepmum resentment, not wanting stepkids, unexpected stepfamily, blended family adjustment, stepmum honesty, stepmum podcast, emotional support for stepmums

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

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

Your feelings don’t make you a bad person — they make you human. And you don’t have to navigate them alone.

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