This week on Blended, Kate Ferdinand is joined by Cilla and Nathalie to unpack a dilemma that hits deep for many stepparents — feeling left out, even when you’ve been fully present. A listener shares that she wasn’t invited to her stepdaughter’s birthday party, which is being held at the mum’s house, and it's left her feeling sidelined. She’s been a part of her partner’s daughter’s life for 3 years and thought their bond meant more but now she’s questioning her place in the bigger moments.

The trio reflect on the unspoken boundaries of blended family life. Should you expect to be welcomed into someone else’s safe space, like their home? Or is it fair to suggest neutral locations or even host your own celebration?

The ladies explore whether we expect too much too soon as stepparents, or whether exclusion from big milestones like birthdays and school events says more about unresolved tensions between adults. They also dig into how confrontation gets a bad wrap especially for women and why speaking up isn’t about ego, but about protecting your peace.

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