Support, tools & coaching for stepmums: https://stepmumspace.com

In this episode, Katie speaks with Hayley — a bio mum, stepmum and all-round supermum — about the huge emotional and practical shift that comes when stepfamily life suddenly becomes full-time.

Hayley went from a simple, steady life as a single mum of two… to navigating the layered, unpredictable realities of blending families. When her eldest stepdaughter came to live with them full-time, everything changed — and Hayley had no real say in the decision.

She opens up about:

• the shock of having her home dynamic change overnight
• the challenges her children and stepchildren faced adjusting
• the strain of trying to build a relationship with a stepdaughter who didn’t want her there
• feeling like an outsider in her own home
• the guilt, resentment and exhaustion that built up silently
• the toll on her mental health and how stepmum anxiety showed up for her

Katie and Hayley also talk honestly about the importance of mental health, emotional boundaries and finding your footing again when you feel overwhelmed, unheard or out of control.

This is a validating, compassionate episode for any stepmum who’s ever thought:
 “I didn’t choose this part… but I’m the one holding it all.”

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

Find tools & workshops: https://stepmumspace.com

Instagram: @stepmumspace

Keywords: stepdaughter moving in, no say as a stepmum, overwhelmed stepmum, stepmum anxiety, bio mum and stepmum, stepmum support, struggling stepmum, full-time stepmum challenges, blended family adjustment, stepmum podcast

You deserve support, clarity and a voice in your own home — and you’re not alone.

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