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In this episode, Katie speaks with a stepmum of three boys—one of whom is neurodiverse—about what it’s really like to go from zero to three kids almost overnight.

She opens up about the emotional highs and lows of stepping into a full-time parenting role, the pressure to bond instantly, and the guilt that can come when connection doesn’t come easily. Although she loves her stepson deeply, she shares how his additional needs have brought unique challenges—and how she’s learning to meet him where he is, while also honouring her own limits.

Together, they explore:

• What it feels like to be thrown into parenting without a roadmap
• The emotional complexity of loving a child you didn’t raise from birth
• How neurodiversity can impact bonding, boundaries, and day-to-day life
• Why struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human
• The importance of support, honesty, and giving yourself permission to grow slowly

This is a gentle, honest conversation for any stepmum who’s finding it hard to connect, cope, or feel like she’s enough. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out at once.

Keywords: struggling stepmum, stepmum support, neurodiverse stepchild, blended family challenges, bonding with stepkids, overwhelmed stepmum, stepmum podcast, parenting neurodiverse children, emotional support for stepmums, stepmum guilt, stepmum boundaries

🔗 Need support?

• Book a free intro coaching call: stepmumspace.com/booking
• Learn more about Katie’s work: stepmumspace.com

🎧 Listen now—and share with a stepmum who needs to hear that love doesn’t always look perfect, and connection takes time.

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