Stepmum Space

• Episode 59: Hostile Exes, Clashing House Rules — and an Ours Baby

  High-conflict exes, clashing house rules and an ours baby — today’s episode goes deep into the reality of stepfamily life. If you’re a stepmum feeling overwhelmed, anxious or alone, this one will speak straight to you.Katie talks with Jane (name changed), a stepmum navigating secrecy for safety, court cases, three stepchildren, and a new baby, all while trying to build a stable home anchored in values and routines. Jane shares how belonging grows slowly, how she built trust through small consistent cues (hair plaits, dinners together, practical help), and how she learned to hold boundaries without absorbing the emotion of hostile messages.They explore loyalty binds, two-home rules, the pressure of a contact schedule that takes every weekend, and the emotional load of loving someone with a complicated history.In this episode:Loving your partner and the past they carrySecrecy, safety and contact from a distanceGradual attachment to stepchildrenBelonging cues (plaits, shared meals, helping)Clashing values across two homesLiving by a custody schedule + protecting couple timeBoundaries with a hostile exSharing hard truths with kidsWelcoming an ours baby + forming new identityPerfect for: Stepmums in high-conflict situations • overwhelmed by instability • new stepmums • anyone struggling with boundaries, anxiety or slow-growing attachment.The Stepmum Reset Workshop Feel clearer, calmer and more in control. 👉 Book now: stepmumspace.comPrefer self-paced? See all workbooks under All Products on the site.To join the Stepmum Space Workshop visit www.stepmumspace.comSupport the show

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• Episode 58: When Loving the Kids Is Easy… But Everything Else Is Hard

  Book your place on The Stepmum Reset now: https://stepmumspace.comEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Katie talks to Claire — an independent woman who fell deeply in love with her partner… and his three children. While Claire adores the kids, navigating the dynamic with their mum and the emotional load of stepfamily life has been far harder than she expected.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, out of control, or unsure where your boundaries should be, this conversation will make you feel truly seen.In this episode, Katie and Claire explore:loving the kids but finding dynamics with their mum difficultbiting your tongue more than anyone realiseslosing yourself while trying to hold everything togetherfeeling like your life is shaped by other people’s decisionsthe emotional toll of being endlessly flexiblewhy boundaries aren’t optional for stepmumshow to reconnect with yourself when everything feels chaoticA raw, validating conversation every stepmum will relate to.Key Topicsfeeling out of controlhigh-conflict or tense co-parenting dynamicssilent emotional loadboundaries when you’re not the biological parentresentment, guilt, overwhelm and burnoutstaying grounded and connected to yourselfThe Stepmum Reset WorkshopIf you’re thinking, “I can’t keep going like this,” The Stepmum Reset is for you.This two-part workshop gives you the tools, language, boundaries and clarity to feel more in control.Next dates: 26th November and 6th December 7:15–8:45pm UK Time Live on Zoom Small group, compassionate, safeYou’ll leave with:a personalised wellbeing and boundary plantools that ease overwhelmclarity on what’s yours to hold — and what isn’tstrategies for asking for what you needa community of women who truly get itBook your place: https://stepmumspace.com Or email: [email protected] Foroverwhelmed stepmumswomen drained by the ex-partner dynamicstepmums struggling with boundarieshigh-conflict co-parenting situationsthose feeling anxious, invisible or resentfulnew stepmums needing validation and reassuranceHelpful LinksThe Stepmum Reset: https://stepmumspace.com Instagram: @stepmumspace 1:1 and Couples Coaching: https://stepmumspace.com/bookingFinal NoteYou are not alone. You are not doing it wrong. Your feelings are valid — and there is support that makes this feel lighter.To join the Stepmum Space Workshop visit www.stepmumspace.comSupport the show

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• Episode 57: When the Ex Won’t Communicate: A Stepmum’s Story of Silence, Blame, and Holding It All Together

  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 SpaceIf 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 roleIt’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 SpaceFollow 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 xTo join the Stepmum Space Workshop visit www.stepmumspace.comSupport the show

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• Episode 56: Redefining Stepmotherhood: Boundaries and Burnout

  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 burnoutWhy it’s okay to find kids annoying — and what that really meansHow to recalibrate your role as a stepmum when things feel offThe importance of maintaining boundaries with your partner, the children, and the exesWhat it looks like to choose yourself without guiltThis 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 [email protected] 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 podcastTo join the Stepmum Space Workshop visit www.stepmumspace.comSupport the show

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• Episode 55: Trying for the Fairytale: When Nothing You Do Is Enough

  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 childrenThe emotional weight of being the stricter houseThe pain of trying hard for your stepkids without recognitionHow to cope when your home feels dominated by talk of the biological mumTess’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 [email protected] 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,To join the Stepmum Space Workshop visit www.stepmumspace.comSupport the show

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