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Helena’s story looked like it was going to be one of the rare smooth ones. She and her partner were aligned. His ex was respectful. The stepkids liked her. Everything pointed toward a calm, harmonious future.

But the real challenge came from somewhere she didn’t expect — his family.

In this powerful episode, Katie speaks with Helena about the emotional fallout of dealing with in-laws who made her feel unwelcome, undermined, and unsafe. Despite doing everything “right,” Helena found herself at the centre of tension that began to damage her confidence, her wellbeing and her relationship. Eventually, she made the incredibly difficult decision to cut contact in order to protect her peace.

Together, Katie and Helena explore:

• what it feels like when the in-laws become the biggest source of stress
• the emotional toll of being criticised, excluded or talked about
• why being loved by the stepkids isn’t always enough to feel secure
• how relationship dynamics shift when extended family won’t respect boundaries
• how to protect your mental health when others refuse to change
• the courage it takes to choose yourself — even if it means stepping away

This episode is for any stepmum who has ever felt judged, sidelined, or overwhelmed by extended family politics. Helena’s story is a validating reminder that you’re allowed to set limits — and that sometimes protecting your peace requires bold, uncomfortable decisions.

If You Need Support
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Keywords: toxic in-laws, stepmum excluded, struggling stepmum, stepfamily boundaries, stepmum mental health, extended family conflict, feeling unwelcome as a stepmum, protecting your peace, blended family stress, stepmum podcast

You’re not selfish for protecting your peace — you’re surviving, and you deserve better.

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