Stepmum Space

Episode 42: Walking on Eggshells With My Doors Locked — Not Feeling Safe in My Own Home


Listen Later

Support, tools & coaching for stepmums: https://stepmumspace.com

In this powerful and rarely spoken-about episode, Katie talks to Jackie — a mum to one and stepmum to two — about what it’s really like to live in a home where you don’t feel safe.

Jackie shares how, after repeated incidents of her stepson stealing from her, she reached a point where she had to lock her bedroom door and live in constant vigilance. What followed were years of anxiety, hyper-awareness, confusion and emotional exhaustion — all while trying to hold the family together and protect her own child.

Together, Katie and Jackie explore:

  • what it feels like when your home doesn’t feel like yours
  • the emotional toll of living in survival mode as a stepmum
  • how to set boundaries when trust has been broken
  • the strain placed on your relationship when you’re constantly on edge
  • the guilt stepmums carry when they don’t feel safe around a stepchild
  • what healing and recovery look like after years of feeling unsafe

This is a brave, honest and validating conversation for any stepmum who has ever quietly struggled behind closed doors. Jackie’s story is a reminder that your experiences are real, your safety matters, and you’re not alone.

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

Find workshops, tools & resources: https://stepmumspace.com

Instagram: @stepmumspace

Keywords: stepmum doesn’t feel safe, stepmum walking on eggshells, unsafe stepfamily situation, blended family conflict, stepmum boundaries, stepmum mental health, stepmum anxiety, stepchild behaviour issues, emotional safety in stepfamilies, overwhelmed stepmum, stepmum podcast

You deserve a home where you feel safe — physically and emotionally. Support is available.

Support the show

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

Stepmum SpaceBy Katie South