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

In this episode, Katie is joined by Nicholle, whose story reflects one of the hardest and least-spoken-about realities in stepfamily life: the impact of false allegations and the emotional fallout that follows.

Nicholle opens up about the moment everything changed, how the accusations affected her relationship with her stepchildren, and the heavy mix of love, resentment and fear she had to navigate in the aftermath.

Together, Katie and Nicholle explore:

• What it feels like when you’re accused of something you didn’t do
• How false allegations damage trust, connection and family stability
• The emotional whiplash of loving children who hurt you
• How to rebuild your sense of safety and identity
• What resilience looks like when the situation feels profoundly unfair

This conversation will resonate with any stepmum who’s felt misunderstood, misrepresented, or caught in the crossfire of blended-family tension. Nicholle’s courage is a powerful reminder that you’re not alone — and that healing is possible even when the damage runs deep.

If you’ve got a story to share, Katie would love to hear from you. Connect on Instagram @stepmumspace or visit https://stepmumspace.com
.

Keywords (SEO)

false allegations as a stepmum, struggling stepmum, stepmum support, stepmum and stepchild relationship breakdown, blended family conflict, high-conflict co-parenting, stepmum boundaries, stepfamily tension, stepmum trust issues, emotional support for stepmums, stepmum podcast

Support the show

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

In this episode, Katie sits down with writer Sheena Wilkinson to explore the real and often unspoken experience of marrying a widower and becoming a stepmum — after choosing not to have children herself.

Sheena shares what it was like to move into her husband’s former marital home, where every room held reminders of his late wife, and how she navigated the emotional weight of building a future inside someone else’s past. She talks openly about the shift from living independently to suddenly sharing space with two men, and the unexpected challenges that came with joining an already-formed family.

This conversation gets into the messy, human side of stepfamily life:

• navigating a house full of memories
• the emotional strain of not feeling fully accepted by extended family
• shouting matches, misunderstandings, and imperfect moments
• the discomfort of feeling like an outsider in your own home
• finding your place without erasing the woman who came before you

Sheena is candid, warm, and sharply honest — and this episode offers real validation for any stepmum navigating grief-shaped family systems, inherited spaces, or complex loyalty dynamics.

Find Sheena’s writing at www.sheenawilkinson.com
and on Instagram and Substack @sheenawilkinson

Support the show

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

Episode Summary 

In this heartfelt and refreshingly honest episode, Katie is joined by Grace — a warm, witty, and wonderfully open stepmum who shares what it was really like to go from living freely and independently to becoming a full-time stepmum of two almost overnight.

Grace talks candidly about the emotional shifts, identity changes, and unseen pressures that come with stepping into an already-formed family system. From feeling like an outsider in her own home to worrying she was “doing it all wrong,” her honesty will resonate with any stepmum who has ever questioned themselves.

In This Episode

Katie and Grace explore:

• what it feels like to lose your sense of identity in a pre-existing family
• the discomfort of feeling judged for your relationship with your stepkids
• why self-compassion matters more than perfection
• how to challenge the belief that you’re “getting it wrong”
• the emotional whiplash of stepping into caregiving before you're ready
• the difference between who you were before and who you’re becoming now

Whether you’re deep in the trenches or at the start of your stepmum journey, this conversation is a reminder that your experience is valid, your feelings make sense, and you are not alone.

Need Support?

If you’re overwhelmed, unsure, or craving more calm and confidence in your stepmum role:

Join the Christmas workshop: Less Stress, More Sparkle
Limited spaces. Practical tools for navigating stepfamily tension during the holidays.
Details and booking at: https://stepmumspace.com

For 1:1 support:
 Book a free intro call: https://www.stepmumspace.com/booking

Learn more: https://www.stepmumspace.com/

Keywords (SEO)

struggling stepmum, stepmum support, blended family stress, losing yourself as a stepmum, stepmum identity, overwhelmed stepmum, feeling like an outsider as a stepmum, stepmum guilt, stepmum boundaries, stepmum help, stepmum coaching, stepmum podcast

Follow the show on Instagram: @stepmumspace

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

Welcome back!

In this episode, Katie talks to Sarah — a stepmum to one boy — about the emotional reality of navigating different rules in different homes, the exhaustion of being the “steady one,” and her very relatable “worse than a five-year-old” meltdown moment.

Sarah speaks honestly about her up-and-down relationship with the ex, the pressure that builds when expectations constantly change, and the lessons she’s learned about boundaries, communication and staying grounded in her role.

This is a warm, real and relatable conversation for any stepmum who has ever hit breaking point or felt overwhelmed by dynamics they can’t control.

In This Episode We Explore

• Meltdowns, triggers and emotional overload in stepmum life
• Navigating different rules in different houses
• How inconsistency between homes affects stepmums
• The strain of trying to hold everything together
• Sarah’s “up and down” relationship with the ex
• The emotional hangover after a “grown-up tantrum”
• What helps you repair, reset and move forward
• Why these challenges are so normal for stepmums
• What Sarah wishes she had known sooner

These themes reflect many of the most common things stepmums search for when they feel overwhelmed, reactive or stuck in difficult co-parenting dynamics.

If This Resonates
For personalised support, tools and strategies, book a free introductory call at:
https://www.stepmumspace.com/booking

More about Katie’s credentials and approach:
 https://www.stepmumspace.com/

Who This Episode Is For

• Stepmums struggling with different-house rules
• Anyone who’s ever hit emotional breaking point
• Women navigating tricky dynamics with an ex
• Stepmums who feel reactive, overwhelmed or guilty
• Listeners wanting honest, relatable stepmum stories

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

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

Your feelings make sense, and you’re not doing this alone. Stepmum Space is here whenever you need support.

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

If you’re a stepmum who’s struggling — feeling torn, exhausted or unsure of your place — this episode is for you.

Katie is joined by Kristin, a stepmum to four, mum to one, and a life coach who supports stepmums across the US. Together, they talk honestly about the emotional weight of stepfamily life: the moments that feel too much, the ones that feel invisible, and the ones that make you question everything.

This is a grounded, real, deeply validating conversation about what stepmum life actually feels like behind the scenes.

In This Episode We Explore

• What to do when your values clash with “the other house”
• How to know when to step in with your stepkids — and when to step back
• Why messy emotions (jealousy, resentment, anxiety) are completely normal
• Feeling invisible or sidelined in your own home
• The pressure to “be fine” when you’re anything but
• Why community and coaching can make stepmum life feel lighter
• What stepmums wish they’d known sooner
• The small mindset shifts that change everything

These topics reflect some of the most common things stepmums search online when they feel overwhelmed, lost or alone.

If This Resonates
For personalised support and tools tailored to your situation, book a free intro coaching call:
https://www.stepmumspace.com/booking

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

Who This Episode Is For

• Stepmums feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unseen
• Anyone navigating clashing values or parenting styles
• Women unsure of their place in the family system
• Stepmums who’ve felt guilt, resentment or emotional overload
• Listeners looking for honest, grounded stepmum advice
• Anyone searching for stepmum support that actually understands the reality

Keywords
stepmum support, struggling stepmum, stepfamily dynamics, co-parenting conflict, stepmum boundaries, emotional overwhelm, life coach for stepmums, blended family advice, stepmum podcast

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

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

You’re not alone. There is support, there are tools, and your feelings make complete sense.

Support the show

For stepmum support, tools, workshops and coaching, visit: https://stepmumspace.com
Sally shares the challenges of blending families while raising a neurodiverse stepchild — and how it stretched her emotionally, practically and personally. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, unsure or guilty in your stepmum role, this conversation will help you feel seen. Real, honest, and full of compassion.

In this episode, Katie speaks with Sally — a stepmum and biological mum — about the real-life challenges of blending families and raising a stepchild with additional needs.

Sally shares her journey from being a single mum to navigating the emotional and practical complexities of bringing two families together. From the early days of adjustment to the ongoing work of building trust, connection and stability, Sally’s story is honest, grounded and deeply validating for any stepmum who feels stretched thin.

In This Episode We Explore:

• What blending families really looks like when you’re already depleted
• The emotional toll of being a stepmum to a child with additional needs
• Feeling pulled in every direction — and how to stay steady
• The pressure on the couple relationship when needs are high
• Managing guilt, resentment and overwhelm as a stepmum
• Balancing compassion for yourself, your partner and all the children
• Why support matters — and how coaching can help stepmums feel less alone

If This Resonates
For personalised tools, strategies and 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 navigating neurodiversity in blended families
• Women struggling with bonding, guilt or emotional overwhelm
• Anyone who’s gone from “no kids” to “full household” overnight
• Stepmums wanting clearer boundaries and steadier footing
• Listeners looking for honest, non-judgmental stepmum stories

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

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

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

You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. Connection takes time — and you deserve support while you figure things out.

Support the show

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

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

Episode Summary

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 children almost overnight.

She shares openly about the emotional highs and lows of stepping into a full-time parenting role, the pressure to bond instantly, and the guilt that comes when connection doesn’t happen as quickly or naturally as you hoped. Although she loves her stepson deeply, his additional needs have brought unique challenges — and she’s learning how to meet him where he is while still honouring her own limits.

This is a grounded, compassionate conversation about the reality of stepparenting when neurodiversity is part of the picture.

In This Episode We Explore

• What it feels like to be thrown into parenting without any preparation
• The emotional complexity of loving a child you didn’t raise from birth
• How neurodiversity affects bonding, boundaries and daily routines
• Why struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re human
• The guilt and pressure stepmums carry when connection is slow
• The difference between supporting a child and losing yourself
• Why honesty, support and small steps forward matter

These themes reflect many of the key challenges stepmums search for when trying to understand their role with neurodiverse children.

If This Resonates
For personalised tools, strategies and 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 navigating neurodiversity in blended families
• Women struggling with bonding, guilt or emotional overwhelm
• Anyone who’s gone from “no kids” to “full household” overnight
• Stepmums wanting clearer boundaries and steadier footing
• Listeners looking for honest, non-judgmental stepmum stories

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

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

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

You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. Connection takes time — and you deserve support while you figure things out.

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Katie speaks with Charlotte — a stepmum to a little girl — about the heartbreak of wanting more time, more connection and more space to love… but not being able to.

Charlotte adores her stepdaughter. She wants to be involved, present and part of her world. But right now, that isn’t possible — and it hurts. She opens up about the quiet grief of being left out, the sting of feeling second best, and the emotional tightrope she walks between her partner and his ex.

This is a tender, validating conversation about the emotional cost of loving a child you can’t fully show up for — and the invisible pain stepmums often carry alone.

In This Episode We Explore

• What it feels like to love a child you don’t have full access to
• The emotional toll of feeling sidelined in your own relationship
• How loyalty binds between homes leave stepmums feeling stuck
• Why feeling “second best” isn’t personal — it’s structural
• The grief stepmums experience when they want to love more than they’re allowed
• What happens when your partner’s past overshadows your present
• How to protect your emotional wellbeing when you’re walking on eggshells
• The difference between loving a child and having a place in their world

These themes mirror the highest-search pain points stepmums look up when they feel excluded, invisible or overwhelmed.

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 left out or “second place”
• Women struggling with ex-partner dynamics
• Anyone loving a child they can’t fully bond with
• Stepmums walking on eggshells in their relationship
• Listeners carrying grief, confusion or emotional exhaustion
• Anyone searching for real, honest stepmum stories

Keywords
struggling stepmum, stepmum support, feeling left out as a stepmum, stepmum boundaries, stepmum and ex dynamics, stepmum podcast, stepmum emotional wellbeing, second best in stepfamily, stepmum grief, stepmum validation, stepmum relationship challenges

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

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

You’re not alone. Your love is real, your role matters, and your feelings deserve space.

Support the show

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

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
Book a free intro coaching call: https://stepmumspace.com/booking

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

Instagram: @stepmumspace

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.

Support the show