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If you’re searching for stepmum help, stepmum support, or a real conversation about stepmum struggles and stepmum problems, this episode will speak straight to your heart.

In this emotional conversation, Katie talks with Nicole, a mum of two and stepmum of one, about the heartbreak of trying to co-parent when her stepson’s mum refuses to communicate — not just with her, but with her husband too.

Nicole shares how she’s navigated protecting her “ours babies” from the pain of not seeing their brother, and what it’s been like being cast as the villain in her stepson’s mum’s story.

Together, Katie and Nicole unpack why stepdads are so often glorified while stepmums are blamed for doing either too much or too little — and how that emotional double standard plays out in everyday life.

This honest chat is full of empathy, real-world insight, and moments that remind you: you’re not alone in the complexity of stepfamily life.

🌿 Reset Workshop Invitation - Stepmum Re-Set workshop | Stepmum Space

If today’s episode has resonated with you and you’re feeling ready for a reset before Christmas, join Katie for her Reset Workshop — a two-evening online experience created especially for stepmums who want to:
✨ Reconnect with their values
✨ Bring more calm and balance into family life
✨ Communicate and hold boundaries without guilt
✨ Feel more confident and at peace in their role

It’s a supportive, understanding space to learn, reflect, and connect with other stepmums who truly get it.

👉 Visit Stepmum Re-Set workshop | Stepmum Space
for all the details, and to explore downloadable workbooks if you prefer to work privately at your own pace head to All Products | Stepmum Space

Follow Stepmum Space for weekly conversations, expert stepmum support, and stories that help you feel seen and understood.

New episodes every week.
Take care — and sending lots of love,
Katie x

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In this episode of Stepmum Space, we’re joined by Madison — a woman in her twenties who stepped into a relationship with an older man, three daughters, and two exes. Madison shares her honest journey of navigating stepfamily dynamics, building relationships with children close to her own age, and learning how to protect her peace.

We dive into:

• The emotional labour of “mum work” and how to avoid burnout
• Why it’s okay to find kids annoying — and what that really means
• How to recalibrate your role as a stepmum when things feel off
• The importance of maintaining boundaries with your partner, the children, and the exes
• What it looks like to choose yourself without guilt

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in a stepfamily, especially younger stepmums learning to balance love, responsibility, and self-respect.

Remember...

• Boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re essential.
• You don’t have to take on all the “mum work.”
• It’s okay to feel overwhelmed — and to step back when needed.
• Relationships with exes require clarity, not chaos.
• Your role can evolve — and that’s a sign of growth.

If this episode resonated with you, please hit follow, rate, and review wherever you listen — it helps Stepmum Space reach more incredible women navigating step family life.

We’re wrapping up Series 7, but we’ll be back soon with fresh stories and expert insights. Got a story to share? Reach out katie@stepmumspace.com or connect with us on Instagram/facebook/tiktok @stepmumspace.

Keywords:

Stepmum podcast, blended family boundaries, dating a man with kids, step-parenting advice, emotional labour in stepfamilies, young stepmum experience, navigating exes, parenting with partners, recalibrating stepmum role, maintaining boundaries, Stepmum Space podcast

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In this episode of Stepmum Space, Katie sits down with Tess — a woman living the complexities of stepfamily life from both sides. She’s a stepmum to three children, and her own child also has a stepmum, giving her a rare and deeply layered perspective.

Tess opens up about the emotional toll of trying to create the perfect blended family — the fairytale — while feeling unappreciated, rejected, and emotionally drained. From being the stricter household to hearing the constant echo of “My Mum Says…”, Tess shares what it’s like to give everything and still feel like it’s never enough.

This episode explores:

• The heartbreak of loving your partner but feeling rejected by his children
• The emotional weight of being the stricter house
• The pain of trying hard for your stepkids without recognition
• How to cope when your home feels dominated by talk of the biological mum
• Tess’s advice for staying grounded — including her mantra: “Find the funny” which reminds us that even in the hardest moments, humour can be a lifeline.

If you’re in the thick of it right now, this conversation is here to remind you: you’re not alone. You’re doing more than you know, and your efforts matter.

If Stepmum Space has ever helped you feel seen, heard, or understood, please consider rating or reviewing the podcast wherever you listen. Your support helps others discover the show and reminds them they’re not alone.

We’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to share your own experience, reach out via email katie@stepmumspace.com

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe now so you never miss a moment of support, insight, and solidarity.

Keywords:

Stepmum podcast, Blended family struggles, Stepfamily dynamics, Stepmum emotional support, Biological mum tension, Feeling unappreciated as a stepmum,

Stepmum rejection, Stricter household parenting, Stepmum heartbreak, Coping with stepchildren, “My Mum Says” stepfamily, Stepmum vs bio mum, Loving your partner, rejected by his kids, Stepfamily fairytale myth, Stepmum advice UK, Stepmum space podcast, Step-parenting challenges, Stepmum mental health, Stepmum validation, Stepmum community support,

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