Back to school, back to chaos.

In this episode, we're returning to routine - sort of. We chat about starting school again, the admin overload that comes with big families, and how even the smallest traditions (like a sugar cone full of sweets) help everyone feel grounded again.

Abi shares a tough decision about rehoming their rescue dog, how that affected the kids, and what it's like supporting a neurodivergent child through the storm of September.

There's school photos, cereal negotiations, a few meltdowns (some from the adults), and a lot of reflection on what it takes to keep blended families moving forward.

Well overdue, but we are back and finishing off our first season a little delayed (more on the podcast, so make sure you listen in). In this episode of the Imperfect Blend podcast we discuss our experiences on navigating the complexities of blended family life, particularly during the summer holidays. We share personal stories about the challenges and joys of parenting, managing family dynamics, and the importance of maintaining friendships amidst the chaos. The conversation reflects on the changes our families are undergoing (yes, uni is just weeks away now whilst still having smalls at pre-school) and the need for compromise in a blended family setting, while also looking ahead to the upcoming school year and future plans. Oh, and Abi's long awaited OASIS concert and why a cup of tea felt much needed..

In this episode we explore the emotional weight of the questions kids ask when navigating complex family dynamics - and how those moments can unravel even the most"put-together" parent. Whether it's about loss, absence, resentment, race or just trying to understand who's who in the family-these conversations are tough, raw, and often unpredictable.

In this episode of the Imperfect Blend podcast, our focus is on our marriages in the Mayhem. We discuss the importance of communication, trust, and creating couple time amidst the chaos of parenting. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of managing family dynamics, while also emphasising the need for appreciation and connection in relationships. As we look ahead, we would like to invite new voices to share their stories and insights on blended family life.

In this deeply personal episode, Abi opens up about her journey to becoming a mum through adoption. From healing after toxic relationships to deciding—almost instinctively—to adopt as a single woman, she shares how her two boys came into her life, how different their stories were, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Abi talks honestly about attachment issues, losing her job days after becoming a mum, and the moment her now-husband came into their lives and eventually adopted the boys too. It’s a story about resilience, love that defies biology, and how sometimes, the most imperfect paths lead to the most extraordinary families.

This week’s episode was an emotional one. We’re talking about what it feels like when the kids go to their other home—and the house goes quiet. From the early days of solo weekends to navigating handovers, guilt, grief, and all the awkward in-betweens, Alex opens up about the hardest part of shared custody: learning how to be on your own again.

We talk about identity loss, those weirdly painful little moments (like brushing hair), and how even years later, the goodbyes can still sting. But we also talk about healing. About rebuilding trust with yourself, rediscovering purpose, and finding the kind of peace that doesn’t rely on noise or chaos to feel whole.

This week, we’re talking about what happens after the blending begins—when it’s not just kids and partners, but aunties, uncles, in-laws, grandparents, and all the rest. Because let’s be honest: extended family can bring so much love… and sometimes, a fair bit of tension too.

We dive into the funny, complicated, emotional business of being introduced to your partner’s family, building trust with people who didn’t expect you, and figuring out how to keep boundaries in place without shutting people out. From navigating cultural differences and generational gaps to organising birthday parties and Christmas dinners with everyone, this one’s about what it takes to make it work outside the walls of your own home.

We also talk about what it feels like to want to be fully accepted—as a wife, as a parent, as family—and how long that can really take. As always, no judgment, no sugar-coating. Just two mums trying to make sense of a beautifully complicated life.

In this heart-open episode, Abi and Alex get real about the reality of becoming a stepmum. From feeling like an outsider in your own home to being unsure how (or when) to discipline children who aren’t your own, they unpack the emotional complexities of forging a bond without overstepping boundaries. Along the way, they share survival tips—like how ‘kill the ants’ (automatic negative thoughts) has helped with anxiety—and reflect on what’s worked, what still feels impossible, and why a bit of humour (and a lot of patience) helps. It’s a vulnerable and validating conversation for anyone in a blended family. The big truth? No one gets it right all the time—and that’s okay.

In this episode of The Imperfect Blend, we delve into the complexities of co-parenting and parallel parenting. We explore the differences between the two styles, the challenges of maintaining communication and consistency across households, and the importance of setting boundaries. The conversation also touches on practical issues such as screen time, clothing choices, and the values that guide our parenting. Through personal anecdotes, we highlight the significance of respect, love and open communication in raising children in a blended family environment. In this conversation, we also share the complexities of blended family parenting, exploring themes of accountability, family dynamics. and the role of food. The discussion highlights the emotional weight of parenting decisions and the need for frameworks to support children in their development.

In this episode of The Imperfect Blend, we delve into the complexities of co-parenting and parallel parenting. We explore the differences between the two styles, the challenges of maintaining communication and consistency across households, and the importance of setting boundaries. The conversation also touches on practical issues such as screen time, clothing choices, and the values that guide our parenting. Through personal anecdotes, we highlight the significance of respect, love, and open communication in raising children in a blended family environment. In this conversation, we also share the complexities of blended family parenting, exploring themes of accountability, family dynamics, and the role of food. The discussion highlights the emotional weight of parenting decisions and the need for frameworks to support children in their development.