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

If you’ve ever felt shut out, overruled or pushed aside by an ex who controls everything, this episode will speak straight to your heart. Alice shares the reality of loving a stepchild while navigating an ex-partner who refuses to accept her role — and a little girl stuck painfully in the middle.

In this episode, Katie talks to Alice* — a stepmum who vowed never to date a man with children, but fell in love with a dad of a five-year-old and has spent the last four years riding the stepmum rollercoaster.

Alice has a caring, connected relationship with her stepdaughter, but has struggled enormously with her partner’s ex holding a huge amount of control over all of their lives. She shares how hard it has been to have no say, no influence, and no acknowledgement — and how the loyalty binds placed on her stepdaughter have shaped their relationship.

This episode is an honest, grounded look at what happens when an ex dominates the dynamic, and how stepmums are often left carrying invisible emotional burdens.

Not her real name.

In This Episode We Explore:

• What it’s like when an ex controls the rhythm of your life
• How loyalty binds put children in impossible positions
• Why stepmums often feel invisible or overridden
• The pain of loving a child you’re not allowed to fully show up for
• How control dynamics impact the couple relationship
• The emotional toll of having “no say” in your own home
• Why support and validation matter so much for stepmums

If You Need Support
Book a free introductory coaching call: https://www.stepmumspace.com/booking

Learn more about Katie’s work: https://www.stepmumspace.com

Keywords:
controlling ex, stepmum feeling shut out, loyalty binds, stepmum support, struggling stepmum, blended family tensions, stepmum boundaries, co-parenting challenges, stepmum podcast, emotional support for stepmums, stepdaughter caught in the middle

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

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

You deserve space, respect and emotional safety — even in the hardest dynamics.

Support the show

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

If you're a stepmum navigating infertility, IVF or feeling alone in the complexity of wanting a baby while raising someone else’s, this episode will speak straight to your heart. Emily shares the raw truth of trying to conceive as a stepmum to four children — the grief, resentment, hope and emotional complexity no one prepares you for.

⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of infertility and IVF. Emily does eventually have her baby. Please take care while listening.

In this honest and tender conversation, Katie talks to Emily about her experiences of going through infertility and IVF while also navigating a challenging stepmum journey.

Emily opens up about the anger, jealousy and heartbreak she felt month after month while not getting pregnant — all while putting on a brave face and looking after her partner’s four children. She talks openly about the unique emotional load stepmums carry when trying to conceive, and why it’s so important to acknowledge your feelings instead of burying them in guilt.

This episode is a compassionate, validating space for anyone facing infertility as a stepmum — a reminder that your feelings are real, human and nothing to be ashamed of.

In This Episode We Explore:

• The emotional toll of infertility and IVF as a stepmum
• What it’s like to care for someone else’s children while longing for your own
• The resentment, jealousy and grief stepmums often hide
• The guilt that comes with wanting space from your stepkids during TTC
• Why acknowledging your feelings is essential for emotional wellbeing
• The pressure stepmums face to “stay strong” on a deeply personal journey
• How Emily navigated the emotional conflict of being both a stepmum and a hopeful mum

Sending love to anyone on this incredibly difficult path. You are not alone.

If You Need Support
Book a free introductory coaching call: https://www.stepmumspace.com/booking

Learn more about Katie’s work: https://www.stepmumspace.com

Keywords:
infertility as a stepmum, stepmum IVF, TTC stepmum, infertility grief, stepmum resentment, stepmum support, stepfamily fertility journey, stepmum emotions, blended family challenges, struggling stepmum, stepmum podcast, emotional support for stepmums

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

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

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Katie talks to Ami, who became a stepmum after losing her first husband to cancer.

Ami shares her journey from deep grief and rebuilding her life, to meeting a new partner and stepping into a role she never expected — especially when she found herself in the middle of a “tug-of-war” dynamic between homes.

She speaks honestly about the parallels between grieving her husband and grieving the life she imagined she would have. Ami’s story offers a powerful look at love after loss, blended-family identity, and the emotional complexity of becoming a stepmum while still carrying the weight of bereavement.

This is a tender, brave and deeply human conversation for anyone navigating stepfamily life while also carrying grief, trauma, or the loss of their former life path.

In This Episode We Explore

• Becoming a stepmum after bereavement
• The grief of losing a partner at a young age
• Identity shifts after loss and in stepfamily life
• The emotional shock of “tug-of-war” co-parenting dynamics
• How grief can resurface through stepmum struggles
• The loss of the imagined future
• Building a new life while honouring what came before
• Learning to love again while carrying grief
• What helps when stepmum life activates old wounds

These themes reflect some of the most common things women search for when navigating stepmum life after loss.

If This Resonates
For boundaries support, emotional tools and stepmum-specific guidance, visit: https://stepmumspace.com

Who This Episode Is For

• Stepmums navigating grief or bereavement
• Women who’ve rebuilt life after loss
• Anyone juggling big emotions while blending families
• Stepmums dealing with high-conflict dynamics
• Listeners wanting honest, vulnerable stories about healing

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

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

You’re not alone. Your grief, your hope and your struggle are all valid — and Stepmum Space is here to support you whenever you're ready.

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Katie talks to Jess — a stepmum to a 14-year-old girl and biological mum to an 8-year-old daughter.

Jess wanted to create a warm, happy, stable home for their blended family, but found herself constantly battling against her stepdaughter’s pushback on any rule or boundary. Things were made even harder by an ex-partner who took on the “best friend” role and regularly undermined the structure Jess and her husband were trying to build.

Over the years, the constant criticism, rejection and tension took a toll on Jess’s mental health and on the whole household. Despite working together to support her stepdaughter, the situation escalated, and — likely as a result of parental alienation — Jess’s stepdaughter eventually stopped coming to their home altogether.

While this brought temporary relief from the constant arguments and anxiety, Jess still longs for a healthier relationship and hopes her stepdaughter will one day return. As Jess says, she’s “the missing piece of their puzzle.”

This is a powerful and honest conversation for any stepmum dealing with boundary battles, anxiety, high-conflict co-parenting or the heartbreak of parental alienation.

In This Episode We Explore

• What happens when every rule becomes a battle
• How parental alienation slowly shapes children’s behaviour
• The emotional impact of constant criticism and rejection
• Anxiety in stepfamily life and how it builds over time
• How inconsistent parenting between homes affects children
• The “best friend parent” dynamic and why it’s so destabilising
• Losing yourself in conflict and chaos
• What happens when a stepchild stops coming
• The grief, relief and longing that follow estrangement
• How couples can work as a team even in high-conflict situations

These topics reflect some of the most common struggles stepmums search for when they feel overwhelmed, undermined or shut out.

If This Resonates
For boundaries support, emotional tools and stepmum-specific guidance, visit: https://stepmumspace.com

Who This Episode Is For

• Stepmums dealing with parental alienation
• Anyone navigating high-conflict co-parenting
• Women feeling undermined or shut out by the ex
• Stepmums whose stepchildren refuse contact
• Parents and step-parents struggling with anxiety and constant conflict
• Listeners wanting honest, compassionate stepfamily stories

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

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

You’re not alone, and your feelings make sense. Whenever you're ready for support that genuinely helps, Stepmum Space is here.

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Katie talks to Carly — a mum to an 11-year-old girl and stepmum to two boys aged 10 and 14. Carly and her partner have lived together for two years, and during that time she’s gone from feeling like a confident parent to feeling constantly anxious whenever her stepsons are around.

Carly speaks openly about the discipline clashes, emotional tension and biological loyalty dynamics that surface when two families try to blend. She also shares candidly why the family have decided to put a pause on stepfamily holidays for now — and the huge impact that decision has had on everyone’s wellbeing.

This is an honest, incredibly relatable conversation for anyone trying to bring two sets of children together under one roof.

In This Episode We Explore

• The anxiety that can arise when blending families
• Why confident parents can feel like “new beginners” in stepfamily life
• Discipline differences between two households
• How biological bonds and loyalty affect blended dynamics
• The emotional impact of bringing children of similar ages together
• Why some stepfamilies pause holidays — and what it means
• Feeling judged, unsure or “never quite right” as a step-parent
• The invisible emotional load of trying to make everything work
• What helps parents and step-parents stay grounded during blending

These themes match the most common things families search online when they’re struggling to blend, manage discipline or navigate loyalty binds.

If This Resonates
For boundaries support, emotional tools and stepmum-specific guidance, visit: https://stepmumspace.com

Who This Episode Is For

• Stepmums blending families or moving in together
• Parents navigating discipline clashes between households
• Anyone struggling with loyalty binds or biological pull
• Women feeling anxious or unsettled in stepfamily life
• Step-parents trying to build connection across two family systems
• Listeners wanting real, honest stories of blending families

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 whenever you're ready for support that genuinely helps, Stepmum Space is here.

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Katie talks to Sarah, who became a stepmum when she married a man she’d known for many years — a man whose first wife she had been friends with before she died.

Sarah shares her story with honesty, humour and vulnerability. She talks about everything from being mistaken for her stepdaughter’s friend at a university open day, to being told she wouldn’t be able to have children of her own, to eventually going on to have a baby with her husband.

She also offers a brilliant take on why stepmums should get a “maternity leave equivalent” when they suddenly take on extra children in their life — because the emotional adjustment is real.

This is a warm, real, grounding conversation for any stepmum who has ever hit emotional breaking point or felt overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of blended family life.

In This Episode We Explore

• Why stepmums experience big emotions and meltdowns
• The emotional pressure stepmums carry daily
• Raising children who aren’t yours while grieving your own losses
• Identity changes in stepmum life
• Feeling young or inexperienced compared to the role you’re stepping into
• When life brings children into your world overnight
• The emotional load of supporting stepchildren and a partner
• Pregnancy, infertility and blended family dynamics
• What helps stepmums feel steadier and less overwhelmed

These themes reflect some of the most common things stepmums search for when they’re feeling overwhelmed, emotional or out of control.

If This Resonates
For boundaries support, emotional tools and stepmum-specific guidance, visit: https://stepmumspace.com

Who This Episode Is For

• Stepmums feeling overwhelmed, emotional or burnt out
• Anyone dealing with stepmum meltdowns or emotional overload
• Women navigating infertility, pregnancy or loss alongside stepfamily life
• Stepmums trying to find their identity in the role
• Listeners wanting honest, relatable stepmum stories

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 whenever you're ready for support that truly helps, Stepmum Space is here.

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Katie talks to Lauren* (not her real name), whose husband has full custody of his two children following domestic violence in his first marriage. Lauren’s 14-year-old stepdaughter has chosen not to see her biological mother, whereas her 11-year-old stepson remains close to his.

Lauren shares openly about what it’s like to navigate two completely different relationships under one roof — one child who leans toward her for safety and stability, and one who holds a strong connection with their mum.

She speaks candidly about the emotional complexity, the responsibility she feels, and her hopes and fears for the future as the children move into their teenage years.

This is an honest, grounding conversation for stepmums navigating trauma-impacted families, full custody dynamics, or relationships that unfold at very different paces.

In This Episode We Explore

• What it’s like when your partner has full custody
• Two stepchildren needing very different things
• Navigating trauma, safety and emotional responsibility
• When one stepchild rejects their mum and one stays connected
• Feeling unsure of how much to step in
• The intensity of being a primary figure in a child’s life
• Worry about the future and teenage dynamics
• Building relationships that unfold at different speeds
• What helps stepmums stay steady in complicated situations

These themes reflect the high-search topics stepmums look for when navigating complex blended family life.

If This Resonates
For boundaries support, emotional tools and stepmum-specific guidance, visit: https://stepmumspace.com

Who This Episode Is For

• Stepmums in full custody or majority care households
• Anyone supporting children affected by trauma or domestic violence
• Stepmums navigating two very different stepchild relationships
• Women feeling overwhelmed by responsibility
• Those unsure how to “balance” their role
• Listeners wanting honest, real stepmum stories

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 whenever you're ready for support that truly helps, Stepmum Space is here.

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Katie talks to Elle* (not her real name).

Elle and her fiancé share his daughter with his ex-wife, but despite her best efforts, Elle hasn’t been able to build a relationship with the ex — at least, not yet. This lack of acceptance has made it incredibly difficult to create a strong bond with her stepdaughter and has had a huge impact on Elle’s home life, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

This conversation is honest, raw and deeply relatable for any stepmum who has ever felt shut out, rejected or undermined by an ex-partner in the dynamic.

In This Episode We Explore

• When the ex doesn’t accept you, no matter how hard you try
• How tension with the ex affects your home and relationship
• The grief of not being allowed to build a bond
• Feeling powerless in decisions that affect your life
• How loyalty binds can block connection with stepchildren
• Navigating rejection in a role you never chose
• How hard it is to stay steady when the dynamic feels hostile
• The emotional toll this takes on stepmums
• What helps you stay grounded when you feel shut out

These themes are some of the most common struggles stepmums search for when they feel lost, unseen or rejected in the family system.

If This Resonates
For boundaries support, emotional tools and stepmum-specific guidance, visit: https://stepmumspace.com

Who This Episode Is For

• Stepmums who feel rejected by the ex
• Anyone struggling with high-conflict co-parenting dynamics
• Stepmums who can’t build a bond with the children
• Women feeling powerless or shut out of decisions
• Those dealing with resentment, hurt and emotional overload
• Listeners wanting honest, real stepmum stories

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

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

You’re not alone. Your feelings are valid. And whenever you're ready for support that genuinely helps, Stepmum Space is here.

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Katie talks to Rose* (not her real name), a full-time stepmum to a 13-year-old girl. Rose shares openly about the jealousy and resentment she felt in the early days, the challenges of living with a “Disney Dad,” and the emotional work it took to reach a place where she and her stepdaughter now have a close, genuine friendship.

This is an honest, relatable conversation for any stepmum who has ever struggled with being full-time, feeling resentful, losing themselves in the role, or wondering if things will ever feel easier.

In This Episode We Explore

• What it’s really like to be a full-time stepmum
• Early jealousy, resentment and emotional overwhelm
• The impact of a partner “Disney Dadding”
• Feeling unsure of your place in the home
• How resentment can build when you’re doing the day-to-day work
• The pressure to be patient, understanding and endlessly flexible
• Bonding slowly with a stepdaughter
• What helped Rose and her stepdaughter grow into friendship
• Why these challenges are so common for stepmums

These themes reflect the most common things stepmums search for when they’re feeling lost, overwhelmed or unsupported.

If This Resonates
For boundaries support, emotional tools and stepmum-specific guidance, visit: https://stepmumspace.com

Who This Episode Is For

• Full-time stepmums
• Stepmums dealing with resentment, jealousy or guilt
• Anyone struggling with bonding or connection
• Women navigating “Disney Dad” dynamics
• Stepmums feeling overwhelmed or unseen
• Listeners looking for honest, real stepmum stories

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. Whenever you're ready for support that genuinely helps, Stepmum Space is here.

Support the show

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

Episode Summary

In this episode, Katie talks to Annabelle* (not her real name), a stepmum to a 15-year-old boy. Annabelle shares the reality of meeting and building a life with a partner who has 50/50 care of his son, and how over six years they’ve moved from challenging behaviours into becoming a close, connected trio.

She also talks candidly about the guilt and resentment she has sometimes felt, the confusion around her role, and the emotional discomfort that can come with situations like school events, transitions, and navigating being the “other” adult in the room.

This is an honest, relatable conversation for any stepmum navigating 50/50 custody, bonding challenges, or the emotional load of blended family life.

In This Episode We Explore

• What 50/50 care looks and feels like for a stepmum
• Bonding with a stepchild over time
• Resentment, guilt and emotional burnout
• Feeling unsure of your role as a step-parent
• School events and public moments that feel uncomfortable
• Living with behaviours that feel difficult or triggering
• The emotional impact of being the “in-between” parent
• What slowly builds real connection in stepfamilies
• What helps stepmums feel steadier and more in control

These themes reflect the most common things stepmums search for when looking for advice, direction and emotional support.

If This Resonates
For boundaries support, emotional tools and stepmum-specific guidance, visit: https://stepmumspace.com

Who This Episode Is For

• Stepmums navigating 50/50 custody arrangements
• Women dealing with resentment, guilt or burnout
• Anyone unsure of their role as a step-parent
• Stepmums wanting to understand connection and bonding
• Listeners needing stepmum support, clarity and reassurance
• Anyone searching for honest, real stepmum stories

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 whenever you're ready for support that truly helps, Stepmum Space is here.

Support the show