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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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In this heartfelt episode of Stepmum Space, I’m joined by Rosie—a woman who had her solo life beautifully sorted. The career, the home, the financial freedom… everything in place. But when love arrived, so did a whole new reality—one that included children she hadn’t planned for.

Rosie opens up about the emotional, practical, and relational shifts that come with stepping into a blended family. We explore what it means to redefine your identity, recalibrate your finances, and navigate the complexities of becoming a stepmum when that was never part of your original plan.

We also talk about one of the hardest parts of stepmum life: when the ex-partner refuses to acknowledge you, won’t accept your presence, or actively ignores your role. Rosie shares how that dynamic impacted her confidence, her relationship, and her ability to feel safe and respected in her own home.

This episode is especially powerful for anyone who’s transitioned from independent living into stepfamily life—and is trying to find their footing in a role that’s often misunderstood, unsupported, and emotionally loaded.

What We Cover:

• The emotional impact of suddenly having children in your life
• How to protect your identity and independence in a blended family
• Setting boundaries that support your wellbeing (even when others push back)
• Navigating finances and lifestyle changes when love comes with kids
• What to do when the ex refuses to acknowledge or accept you
• The importance of aligning with your partner on your role as a stepmum

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Keep your own identity—don’t lose the parts of you that existed before stepkids.
2. Keep doing what you love—your passions and routines still matter.
3. Define your role—and make sure you and your partner are on the same page.

This role can be beautiful, but it’s also complex. Without boundaries, it can consume you. And while not everyone will understand your limits—especially when you're being ignored or excluded—protecting your emotional and physical resources is essential.

💌 Need Support?

If this episode resonates and you’d like support with boundaries, identity, or any other part of stepmum life, I’d love to hear from you. 📧 Email me at katie@stepmumspace.com 🌐 Visit www.stepmumspace.com for coaching, resources, and community.

Huge thanks to Rosie for her honesty and courage. If you have a story you’d like to share on the podcast, please get in touch. This show exists because of women like you who are brave enough to speak up.

Don’t forget to follow Stepmum Space on your podcast app so you never miss an episode. I’ll see you next week.

Keywords: stepmum boundaries, ignored by the ex, stepfamily dynamics, blended family support, stepmum identity, emotional wellbeing for stepmums, partner alignment in blended families, stepmum podcast UK, stepmum coaching, stepmum space podcast, childless stepmum experience, ex-partner conflict in blended families, stepkids mum, boundaries

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