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

Episode Summary

In this raw and honest conversation, Katie speaks with Francesca — a stepmum to two young girls — about the emotional toll of stepfamily life when your home doesn’t feel like a safe space.

Francesca describes how becoming a stepmum shifted her from a confident, independent woman into someone who felt anxious, unsettled and constantly on edge. After moving into her partner’s old family home — and dealing with frequent drop-ins and boundary-crossing from the ex — Francesca found herself spiralling, questioning her place in the family and struggling to cope.

This episode explores what happens when your home stops feeling like yours and the emotional cost of living in a space where your boundaries aren’t respected.

In This Episode We Explore

• What it feels like when your home doesn’t feel safe or “yours”
• How constant access from an ex erodes psychological safety
• Why even strong, capable women can crumble under stepfamily pressure
• The impact of living in a partner’s old family home
• The anxiety, hypervigilance and overwhelm that follow boundary violations
• How coaching helped Francesca rebuild her confidence and reclaim her space
• What healing looks like when you’ve been in survival mode for too long
• The slow, steady process of finding your footing again

These are some of the most common challenges stepmums search for when feeling overwhelmed, unsafe or destabilised by stepfamily dynamics.

If This Resonates
For personalised strategies, emotional tools and stepmum-specific support, book a free introductory coaching call:
https://www.stepmumspace.com/booking

Learn more about Katie’s approach and experience:
 https://www.stepmumspace.com

Who This Episode Is For

• Stepmums who feel unsafe, unsettled or pushed out
• Women struggling with anxiety triggered by stepfamily dynamics
• Anyone dealing with ex-partners who cross boundaries
• Stepmums living in a partner’s former family home
• Listeners feeling lost, overwhelmed or disconnected from themselves
• Anyone searching for real, honest stepmum stories

Keywords
struggling stepmum, stepmum anxiety, stepmum support, psychological safety in stepfamilies, overwhelmed stepmum, ex-partner boundaries, stepmum coaching, blended family stress, stepmum podcast, emotional support for stepmums, stepmum mental health

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

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

You’re not alone. Your feelings make sense. And with the right support, things can feel calm, grounded and manageable again.

Support the show