In this episode of Blended, Kate is joined by Nathalie and special guest co-host Legally Nik, family and child protection lawyer, who is back to help the panel unpack some of your most complex legal dilemmas.

The episode begins by revisiting the conversation from a few weeks ago with @Jessrunsforsurvivors, diving deeper into narcissistic ex-partners and coercive control. Nik explains that coercive control is illegal but incredibly difficult to prove. She breaks down what it looks like in court, how the legal system approaches it, and shares practical advice on communication tools such as yellow rocking and creating safer boundaries.

The second dilemma focuses on frustrations with the Child Maintenance Service. A listener feels it is unfair that when starting a new family, payments are only reduced by a small percentage. Nik explains why the system works as it does, why nobody is ever completely happy with it and why the law ultimately prioritises the child above all else.

The final dilemma is from a mum who wants to take her child on holiday but is being told she needs the father’s permission because they have different surnames. Nik clarifies the legal position, explaining that surnames are irrelevant and consent is still required where parental responsibility is shared.

As always, Kate and Nathalie ask the questions many blended families are thinking and Nik provides the legal clarity behind the emotions.

For more support contact Legally Nik

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They tackle a tricky dilemma, a woman who separated from her husband admits she never felt fully accepted by her stepchildren. She showed up, she tried, but she remembers distance and rejection. Now, years later, her ex stepson has invited her to his wedding, describing her as a big part of his life. She is shocked. She does not remember it that way. She is asking whether she is obligated to go, and whether she needs to honour his version of the past when her experience felt so different. 

Kate, Nathalie and Cilla unpack what it means when memories do not match, why children may remember your presence differently than you do, and whether closure has to look like attendance. They explore the right to protect your peace, the power of simply showing up, and how blended relationships can leave lasting impact even when they felt strained at the time. 

This episode is about perspective, boundaries and the complicated legacy of step parenting. 

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In this episode of Blended, Kate Ferdinand and Cilla are joined by Jess, known online as @JessRunsForSurvivors. Jess creates content around co-parenting with someone with narcissistic traits and is a patron for the charity Mums in Need, which supports women facing post separation abuse and coercive control.

Jess shares part of her own story and what life has been like navigating co parenting with someone displaying narcissistic behaviours. She explains the complexity around narcissism as a disorder, why it requires clinical diagnosis, and why obtaining that diagnosis is often difficult.

The panel then tackles two difficult listener dilemmas.

In the first, a stepmum is worried that her stepdaughter’s behaviour dramatically shifts after time spent at her dad’s house. The child returns hostile towards her stepsister and stepdad, repeating phrases that feel planted. The stepmum fears the dynamic is slowly destabilising her home and does not know how to protect her family without escalating the situation.

In the second dilemma, a woman describes how her ex presents as charming and composed publicly, yet attempts to undermine her behind the scenes. He has contacted her workplace claiming concern about her mental health and continues to interfere in subtle but damaging ways. 

Kate and Cilla admit they find parts of these stories difficult to comprehend, questioning how anyone copes with this level of manipulation. Jess offers practical tools and strategies including grey rocking, tightening communication, regulating tone, and even using tools like AI to draft neutral responses in high conflict situations. 

For more support follow @jessrunsforsurvivors and check out Mums In Need

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As mums and as a podcast that talks about family life, our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating events that have unfolded since this recording. 

This episode is the first ever remote recording of Blended, Kate recorded from Dubai on while Nathalie and Cilla joined from London.

After putting a question box out to the Blended Instagram, the messages flooded in. One major theme was the pressure around buying gifts for the ex. Several stepmums shared that their partner expects them to organise Mother’s Day cards and presents for the bio mum, sometimes even extravagant ones. The panel discusses boundaries, emotional labour and whether managing that relationship is really the stepmum’s responsibility.

They also tackle the complex dynamic of stepping into a family where the children’s mum has passed away. What happens when you are doing the daily parenting but feel you cannot be publicly celebrated in case it upsets extended family? Kate shares her own experience and how she has navigated that delicate balance.

Alongside the dilemmas, the ladies open up about how they will be spending Mother’s Day themselves and why this date continues to matter so much to the show.

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This week on Blended, Kate Ferdinand and Nathalie are joined by therapist, bestselling author, TV presenter and podcast host Anna Williamson for an honest conversation about child anxiety and what happens to intimacy when life changes overnight.

Anna speaks openly about her own mental health journey and why it led her to her training as a therapist and write the books she has. Her perspective shapes two powerful listener dilemmas.

In the first, a stepmum believes she can see clear signs of anxiety in her stepdaughter. She notices changes in behaviour, emotional withdrawal and subtle warning signs, but her partner insists she is projecting. Is she overstepping or is she the only adult paying attention? Anna breaks down what anxiety can really look like in children, the role phones and social media may play and how to raise concerns without damaging your relationship.

In the second dilemma, a stepmum admits her relationship has completely changed since the children moved in full time. What used to be spontaneous and passionate now feels interrupted and distant. She jokes that the kids have a spidy sense for knowing exactly when she and her partner are about to get it on. The panel discuss how blended life can quietly erode intimacy, why resentment builds and practical ways to protect your relationship when parenting takes over.

Don’t forget to rate and review, also we love hearing from you so follow @blended on Instagram to share your story.

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This week on Blended, Kate Ferdinand is joined by Nathalie and Cilla to unpack two deeply emotional dilemmas about families that didn’t break apart but were permanently changed.

In the first, a wife shares how she and her husband worked through his infidelity but now there is a child from the affair. At a recent BBQ she felt embarrassed, exposed and emotionally overwhelmed. She never imagined becoming a stepmum this way, yet her husband wants everyone to come together as one family. 

In the second dilemma, the extended family invites the Love child’s mother to gatherings. The panel reacts strongly as they discuss boundaries, respect and whether forgiveness of a partner automatically means full acceptance of everything that came from the betrayal.

Kate admits she finds this one hard. She and Cilla debate what forgiveness really means in practice and can you truly separate an innocent child from the pain attached to how they arrived? Nathalie questions whether forgiving without consequence risks repeating the cycle.

This episode is honest, emotional and challenging because sometimes healing isn’t about leaving, It's about learning how to live with what happened.

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Chucky opens up about growing up with both a loving dad and a loving stepdad, and how their dynamic shaped him. He reflects on the unique balance between his mum, his dad and his stepdad, and how he never even realised he was in a blended family because it simply felt normal. He also shares the emotional impact of losing his stepdad and how the family navigated that grief together.

The episode then turns to a listener dilemma. A mum is terrified that tension between her teenage son and her husband is escalating. Her son is taller now, more defiant, and when her husband raises his voice at her, her son steps in, chest puffed and ready to fight. She fears that if things ever turn physical, there will be no coming back from it.

Together, Kate, Cilla and Chuckie discuss boundaries, communication, male ego, teenage triggers and the absolute line that cannot be crossed. They unpack what teenage boys are really reacting to, how past experiences can heighten protective instincts, and why protecting the relationship before it reaches breaking point is critical.

An honest, emotional episode about loyalty, respect and what happens when power struggles threaten family stability.

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Kate Ferdinand is joined by Nathalie Holmes-Lewis and special guest co host, broadcaster and podcast host Zoe Hardman, for a raw and honest conversation about stepparenting, boundaries, and relationships that don’t always come naturally.

Zoe shares her own experience of building a bond with her stepdaughter, before the panel tackles two listener dilemmas. In the first, a stepmum is at breaking point as her teenage stepdaughter repeatedly ignores house rules, inviting boys over, swearing and answering back, leaving her torn about whether she can stay in the relationship. In the second, a stepmum admits she dreads spending time with her stepdaughter altogether, and the ladies question whether her struggle is really about the child or unresolved tension with the child’s mum that may be affecting the relationship.

They also discuss the pressure stepparents feel to get it right, the reality that you don’t always like your children or stepchildren and why step relationships can feel especially fragile when they can be lost at any moment.

Don’t forget to rate and review, also we love hearing from you so follow @blended on Instagram to share your story.

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After some time off, Kate Ferdinand returns with Nathalie and Cilla for a long overdue catch-up. This episode opens the new season with honesty and reflection, as the ladies share where life has taken them, both individually and as families.

There have been big changes, difficult moments, and journeys none of them expected. Nathalie opens up about navigating a major health experience and finding her way through recovery, Kate reflects on a huge family move and what it’s really like being separated from loved ones, and Cilla shares how life has shifted after becoming a mum again following a challenging birth.

It’s raw, emotional and reflective, a reminder of how quickly family life can change, and how much resilience it takes to keep going.

Don’t forget rate and review, also we love hearing from you so follow @blended on Instagram to share your story.

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They dive into what is often the most complicated and emotionally time of year for blended families, tackling three festive dilemmas sent in by listeners. From an ex crossing the line during Christmas pick-ups, to the quiet pressure and comparison around money and gifts, to a woman struggling with the reality that her partner will be spending Christmas with his ex and children.

Alongside the dilemmas, the ladies also talk about how they’ll be celebrating over the festive period themselves. Cilla confesses something she’s never actually done at Christmas before, Nathalie shares why she’s celebrates a little differently and Kate talks about who she’ll be spending Christmas with and how a busy life shapes those decisions.

This episode is about boundaries, expectations and knowing when to protect your peace, even during the most emotional time of the year. The ladies don’t sugar-coat it, offering honesty, empathy and at times, tough love.

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A woman writes in about her relationship with a man who has children from a previous partner. When they first got together, he was happy to keep things separate, no pressure to step into a parenting role, and that suited her perfectly. But now, his family have started making comments, and he’s beginning to change his mind. Suddenly, the idea of becoming a stepmum feels less like a choice and more like an expectation.

The panel really respect her honesty, she laid out her boundaries from the start but they question whether being with someone who has kids means you have to take on the stepparent role eventually. Cilla argues that while you might start off playing the aunty or the cool friend, that approach doesn’t work long-term especially if you live together. The aim, she says, should be to grow.

Not everyone agrees. Kate and Nathalie discuss the emotional pressure women often face to "mother" in blended dynamics, and the fine line between respecting someone’s boundaries and avoiding the impact on the children involved.

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Snoochie brings a unique perspective, not as a parent but as someone who grew up with a stepdad she’s incredibly close to. Together, the panel dive into two dilemmas from listeners trying to balance love and loyalty.

In the first, a woman wants her stepdad to walk her down the aisle, but worries it will offend her biological father. In the second, a listener wants both her mum and stepmum in the room when she gives birth but fears her mum won’t take it well.

Nathalie doesn’t think anyone should put pressure on someone else’s feelings, while Kate understands why it might still hurt there are moments you naturally dream of sharing with your child. Snoochie reminds us that communication is everything, and that your wishes matter just as much as anyone else’s.

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She writes in devastated that since having a baby with her partner, her parents have changed, they only want to look after their biological grandchild and have completely pulled away from her stepson. Before the baby arrived, they treated him like their own. Now, she’s heartbroken and questioning whether she ever imagined having to set boundaries with her own family.

Kate doesn't agree, saying that all children deserve to feel included and that if your family won’t treat them equally, it’s your job to protect the child. But Cilla challenges that view, arguing that while you may choose a blended family, others in your life aren’t always obliged to be on board even if it hurts.

Together, they explore a painful but important question: where do you draw the line when it’s your own parents showing bias?

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The group get real about what happens when parents evolve. Rio opens up about being in a different stage of life now more present and admits that in the past, he put family on the back burner while focused on his football career. It’s an honest reflection on how age, maturity, and life circumstances can shape how someone parents.

They also revisit a dilemma from a previous episode that Rio joined for a few minutes to discuss but didn’t get to break it down, a dad who is taking in his biological daughter but allowing his stepdaughter to go into care. They discuss whether biology should ever be the dividing line, and what it really means to show up for a child.

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A stepmum writes in upset that her partner’s mum still has a close relationship with his ex. They spend time together, but she and her mother-in-law have no relationship at all. She admits it makes her feel jealous, insecure, and even a little pushed out of the family.

Kate argues that this is a normal reaction most people would feel the same sting but stresses that it’s important to recognise the feeling without acting on it. Cilla takes a tougher stance, saying it’s none of the stepmum’s business as long as her partner’s mum has a good relationship with her son and grandchildren.

The panel explores the wider questions: What happens when loyalties blur across old and new relationships? Is it natural to feel jealous, or does jealousy create bigger problems? And how do you navigate in-laws who still keep one foot in the past?

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For Rickie, this hits really close to home. His oldest daughter is from a previous relationship, and now he lives with his stepdaughter and young son. He talks honestly about how he navigated that shift with his daughter, stressing how important it is to keep expressing love, carving out time just for them, and staying consistent even when teenagers seem distant. Sometimes, he says, it’s just about sending that text or making that call even if it doesn’t get a reply.

Kate reflects on her own household, where the little ones are desperate to see the older kids. Nathalie channels her inner Cilla and reminds everyone that different households can have different rules, and that’s okay what matters most is the connection and the love.

The panel also debate the role of phones. Rickie shares that if he could go back, he’d have restricted phones for longer, because while they help kids stay in touch across households, they can also pull children into isolation and take away valuable family time. The group talk about guilt, balance, and how to make sure your children feel seen and loved no matter where they call home.

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A mum writes in devastated after her partner refused to take in his daughter’s older sister meaning she may end up in care. She’s torn apart, not just for the child, but also because she fears what it says about her partner. If he can turn his back on his daughter’s sibling, could he one day do the same to her son?

The ladies feel very strongly that siblings should not be split up and urge the mum to fight for the girl to live with them. Cilla and Nathalie share their anger at how a child could be left behind, while Kate calls Rio to join the show to get a male perspective. Rio insists he wouldn’t let a child go into care but he’s also brutally honest that a lot of men might, when faced with financial pressure or the question of biology.

Together they explore whether “not my child” is ever a fair excuse, the painful reality of how easy some people can separate siblings, and what responsibility really looks like in blended families.

Follow @blended on Instagram to share your story.

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She doesn’t sugarcoat a thing dropping raw truths and bombshells that leave the ladies stunned. Nathalie can’t hide her frustration at the injustice Jess has faced, while Kate is in awe of the grace and strength she’s found through it all. At the heart of her story? One focus: making sure her daughters are happy, no matter what.

Together, they tackle a dilemma from a mum whose ex and his new partner keep trying to control what happens in her home. Where’s the line between co-parenting and overstepping? The ladies don’t hold back, debating how to set boundaries, when to push back, and what healthy co-parenting really looks like.

And when the conversation turns to discipline, the panel is split: Kate believes stepparents should be able to tell a child off if they live with and care for them while Jessica is clear she wouldn’t want anyone but dad stepping in with her girls.

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But now his biological mum has reappeared and everything has shifted. Her stepson’s behaviour has changed, and suddenly the stepmum feels like she’s being pushed out of a role she’s built her life around.

The ladies explore the painful truth many stepparents face: the sense that, no matter how much love and care you give, you can still be sidelined when a biological parent decides to step back in. They discuss the emotions at play from a mum’s possible shame for not being there, to a child’s natural pull towards wanting that maternal bond, to the stepmum’s fear of being discarded after years of sacrifice.

Kate and Nathalie debate whether the stepmum should hold firm in her place as the one who’s raised him, or whether blended families sometimes have to weather these painful shifts. They also talk about how to stop resentment building, the importance of reassurance for both the child and the step-parent, and why blended families need to be ready for these moments of sudden change.

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This week on Blended, Kate Ferdinand is joined by Nathalie and special guest co-host Joel Beya — presenter, founder of Cheeky Sport, and dad — who brings a raw and honest male perspective to the table. Together, they tackle a dilemma from a woman whose partner won’t let her meet his ex. She’s asked, he keeps avoiding it, and now she’s starting to get suspicious.

Is this a massive red flag, or just a man not ready to blend the past with the present? Joel is brutally honest about why some men hold back, admitting he’s hurt people in the past simply because he wasn’t ready or serious. Kate says she’d want to meet the ex and build a relationship for the children’s sake but Joel pushes back, arguing it’s not always that simple.

The trio debate Is it about protecting boundaries, or avoiding responsibility? and the ladies discuss why women can't settle for mixed signals instead of acting like the prize. Just when things heat up, Joel drops his belief that there’s no such thing as “one true love” — and that doesn’t sit well with Kate or Nathalie.

Follow @blended on Instagram to share your story.

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The first? A woman who bought food for her six biological children but not for her stepchild. Her husband asked, but she didn’t see anything wrong with it. The ladies get heated as they unpack whether this is the ultimate “wicked stepmother” behaviour, and question why the dad stood by and let it happen.

The second? A stepdad who wasn’t invited to his stepdaughter’s graduation, despite being in her life since she was four months old. Hurt, he decided to cut off financial support. The panel debates whether this was justified or damaging, asking: what role did the mother play, and is this about boundaries or bitterness?

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Nathalie believes a man should always be there for the mother of his child but Kate and Sayce disagree they think boundaries are essential, and that being an ex means you don’t get the same privileges as when you were in a relationship. So where is the line?

The trio discuss what’s “too far” when it comes to helping an ex, how to keep the focus on the child’s wellbeing, and why clear boundaries protect everyone. Sayce also shares an overlooked male perspective, how moving out of the family home and not seeing your children every day can be an emotional struggle, and why men need to prepare themselves for that shift.

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A listener writes in devastation after her relationship ended not because of the partner, but because she no longer gets to see the children she helped raise. Their mother doesn’t think it’s appropriate, and just like that, it’s like she never existed.

The panel discuss the emotional fallout stepmums can face when love isn’t “enough” to grant them long-term connection even after years of parenting. Kate opens up about how this exact scenario has always been one of her biggest fears and admits she doesn’t think she’d cope.

Cilla reflects on the reality vs. the ideal reminding us that we don’t live in a world where every bond is protected just because it’s real. And Nathalie asks the big question: what impact does it have on the children when someone who loves them simply disappears?

This is a powerful conversation about invisible grief, unspoken heartbreak, and the emotional toll of loving children you don’t legally “own.” Because when stepmums are told to love like a parent but let go like a stranger.

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We get so many legal dilemmas on this podcast, and while we’re always here to share our experiences — this week, we brought in an expert.

Nik answers two powerful dilemmas from listeners:

One from a stepmum wondering what rights she’d have if something ever happened to her partner and whether she’d legally be able to stay in the child’s life.

And another where a stepmum posted a photo online, and the biological mum cut off all contact, raising urgent questions around parental alienation, boundaries, and protecting the child’s relationship with both parents.

Nik breaks down what parental responsibility really means, and when a Stepparent Responsibility Order might be needed. She explains the difference between “lives with” orders and “spends time with” orders, when to apply for Specific Issue Orders, and why the Welfare Checklist is at the heart of every child-based legal decision in the UK.

They also explore why there’s no such thing as “full custody” in the UK, how to prepare if you’re going to represent yourself in court including the role a McKenzie Friend can play in supporting you through the process. Nik also talks about why it’s so important to put your wishes in writing, especially when it comes to children and wills and why this is even more essential when a stepparent is involved.  

Check out Legally Nik's Website

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A listener writes in, worried about how to bring up parenting differences with her partner. She’s about to have their first baby together and doesn’t want him assuming things will be the same as with his older kids. But how do you have that conversation without it sounding like you’re criticising his parenting?

The ladies discuss why values and routines aren’t just about control they’re about raising healthy, secure children. Nathalie argues that setting boundaries and not encouraging can make kids rebel, while Cilla believes there are times children need firm direction, even if it’s hard in the moment.

They also share tips on how to start the conversation without comparing or criticising — and why nothing should be left to chance when it comes to raising kids in a blended home.

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Jamelia speaks openly and honestly about her own blended family experience, the heartbreak she faced, what her kids went through, and why she wouldn’t be part of a blended family again. She shares how, at times, she genuinely thought she wouldn’t make it through and why she'd now choose to keep her relationships separate.

The panel also tackles a dilemma from a mum whose daughter isn’t coping with her new blended setup; the kids just aren’t clicking, and it’s making life at home uncomfortable. Jamelia reflects on how her own daughter felt when someone moved in, and Kate asks whether you can really be happy in a relationship if the children aren’t.

Cilla shares why she believes children are allowed to feel sad about big changes and why sometimes you have to sit in the uncomfortable moments as a family.

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A listener writes in to say she’s been a stepmum for five years and adores her partner’s children but she’s always imagined having her own baby too. The problem? Her partner says he’s done. No more kids. And now she’s wondering if she can really accept that… or if she’s risking a lifetime of regret.

The ladies explore what it means to compromise on something this big and whether love alone is enough when your dreams don’t align. They also reflect on how desires can shift, how long you should “wait and see" before resentment kicks in.

Cilla shares the emotional story of someone who waited, missed her window, and ended up heartbroken. They also reflect on the pressure of the biological clock, the power of honesty, and the importance of advocating for what you want before it’s too late.

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Rio shares his personal experiences of solo parenting after loss, opening up about the emotional guilt of leaving your children even briefly, the pressure to always “get it right,” and why having a support system matters so much. 

The conversation turns to the emotional wellbeing of single dads how men can be encouraged to look after themselves, make space to date again, and allow themselves to feel.

Kate becomes emotional as she reflects on her stepchildren’s experiences with grief and how her understanding has deepened now that she’s also a biological mum. 

Together, the trio explore how solo parents, especially fathers can be supported emotionally, practically, and socially without judgment.

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A listener writes in feeling completely overridden by her partner when it comes to setting boundaries with his children. She tried to discipline calmly and respectfully but he jumped in, reversed her decision, and made her feel like she had no right to step in at all.

The trio discusses what discipline should look like in blended homes, and how stepparents can feel confident in their role without overstepping. Is discipline only for biological parents? What message does it send to children when their stepparent’s authority is constantly undermined?

They also explore how couples can get on the same page when it comes to parenting, the difference between discipline and telling off, and why real teamwork is essential

Follow @blended on Instagram to share your story.

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Ashley’s no stranger to the podcast and he’s back to talk about his own story growing up in the UK care system, living with five different families, and never quite feeling like he belonged. In this emotional and honest conversation, he shares how that shaped his sense of identity, his education, his relationships, and the kind of father he is today.

The trio also tackle a heartfelt dilemma from a listener who's trying to help her foster son feel welcomed into their family especially by her partner, who’s parenting for the first time. Ashley shares real insight into what children in care may be feeling in moments like this, while Nathalie opens up about her own past and how childhood trauma can lead to emotional walls and coping mechanisms.

This is a moving episode about identity, resilience, and the healing power of love and a reminder that family isn’t always where you start, but what you grow.

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The trio tackle a dilemma sent in by a man who didn’t tell his partner that his ex would be at a party he was taking his daughter to. When she found out, it caused serious drama but now he’s asking: should you always tell your partner the truth, even if you know it’ll cause problems?

That sparks a deeper chat about communication in relationships, how the men have evolved emotionally since their younger years, and the impact their wives have had on the way they express themselves now.

They reflect on how easy it is to slip back into old patterns, and why working on emotional growth in your home is worth the effort especially when you’re trying to break cycles.

They also open up about boundaries with exes and extended family, and share how those lines have had to shift over time to protect their wives and their peace.

Then comes the surprise: Kate hits them with some loaded questions submitted by their wives and they have to answer on the spot. Plus, they have a proud moment as they hear unexpected Father’s Day messages from their children.  

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They open up about how growing up without a father in the house shaped their understanding of love, trust, and family. From not knowing how to have a platonic relationship with a man to struggling to understand how your husband can love you without conditions they open up about the emotional impact of growing up in homes where love looked different.

Cilla gets emotional as she reflects on how certain moments from her past still leave her feeling disappointed and hurt and how that has shown up in her adult life and relationships.

The trio also discuss how they’re doing the work to break generational cycles, raising their own children differently, and learning that healing can happen at the same time as parenting.

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The trio reflect on the unspoken boundaries of blended family life. Should you expect to be welcomed into someone else’s safe space, like their home? Or is it fair to suggest neutral locations or even host your own celebration?

The ladies explore whether we expect too much too soon as stepparents, or whether exclusion from big milestones like birthdays and school events says more about unresolved tensions between adults. They also dig into how confrontation gets a bad wrap especially for women and why speaking up isn’t about ego, but about protecting your peace.

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The conversation is sparked by a dilemma from a stepmum who financially supports her partner’s children but feels completely shut out of the decision-making. With talk of private school on the table and no voice in the conversation, she’s left wondering: am I being manipulated, or is this just part of being in a blended family?

They dive into the uncomfortable but necessary questions: Should financial contribution equal a say in parenting decisions? and Where’s the line between support and exploitation?

The trio reflect on the emotional costs that go beyond finances especially when step-parents raise children they have no legal rights to. From wills and inheritance to guardianship and long-term planning, they unpack why these conversations matter so much more in blended families.

One big question the group debates: Should parents leave different amounts to different children, based on what they’re already receiving from their other biological parent? Is fairness always equal or does it depend on circumstance?

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This honest discussion is sparked after Kate asks her stepdaughter Tia to send a voice note sharing how she feels compared to her younger siblings and opens the door to one of the biggest debates yet.

They explore a powerful question: What is love? Is it a feeling, an action or both? And if you don’t feel the same for all your children, what can you do to make sure none of them feel left out?

They discuss how factors like living arrangements, age, time, and even permission to parent can all affect how love is shown and felt. When 1 in 3 families in the UK are blended, this is not a niche issue it’s a growing reality for so many.

The trio explore what happens when you don’t feel the same bond with your stepchildren and how you can still show up for them with care and consistency. They unpack the pressure stepmums often face to “love like a mum,” while also being told not to overstep.

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Why? Because she’s terrified her son might choose to stay with his stepdad instead of her. It’s a heartbreaking situation that raises a huge question: can you separate without shattering your family?

The ladies explore the emotional weight of “staying for the kids,” and debate whether that decision protects children or simply delays the damage.

They reflect on research that shows children thrive in two-parent households and dig into how breakups affect kids no matter which parent leaves, highlighting that mothers can also be the ones who disrupt the home, not just the dads.

The trio share how they’d feel about having a stepparent now, as grown women, and the impact childhood trauma can have on how we move through relationships as adults and reflect on how their own upbringings in single-parent homes shaped their views.

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Cilla explains the real difference between co-parenting and parallel parenting, and why understanding the difference can save families a lot of conflict.

Kate, Cilla, and Nathalie each open up about their own parenting styles, how they set rules, maintain structure, and handle boundaries in their homes.

The trio also explore whether softer or stricter parenting styles actually get better reactions, and whether having different rules really confuses children long-term or if kids are more adaptable than we give them credit for. They also reflects on how children sometimes adapt their behaviour depending on which parent they're talking to and how kids can even learn to play parents off against each other when the rules aren't aligned .

If you’ve ever struggled with mixed messages, different expectations, or feeling like you're parenting in two completely different worlds, this episode is a must-listen.

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This week’s listener's dilemma asks: “Do I have to end my marriage if he won’t accept my child?” — sparking a deep and emotional conversation about loyalty, love, and the hard choices many blended families face.

The trio also tackle adult children moving back home, how it affects family dynamics, and what happens when one partner struggles with a stepchild returning to the household.

Rio shares his honest take on fatherhood, why men sometimes struggle to express how they feel, and why “firsts” in blended families can hit differently for men.

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Choosing not to have kids? Even more.

And if you want to be a mum but life has other plans? That’s a whole different kind of heartbreak.

In this episode of Blended, Kate Ferdinand is joined by Priscilla Appeaning and Nathalie Holmes-Lewis for a powerful and honest conversation about the pressure on women to sacrifice their bodies and mental health for motherhood, what it means to step-parent without biological children of your own, and how motherhood expectations shape emotional identity in blended families.

Cilla explains the difference between being childfree and childless. Kate reflects on her experience entering a blended family without children of her own and Nathalie opens up about her health journey and her decision around motherhood.

They also explore how “ours babies” , a term used in the blended family space to describe a child shared by both partners, can impact identity, connection, and emotional roles for women who aren’t biological mums.

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In this episode, they dive into a dilemma that had the group chat on fire: A mother-in-law gifts a photo of a child’s half-sibling... and the stepmum and partner throw it away. Was it about protecting the child—or shutting down the in-laws? Is the mother-in-law just trying to stay involved—or fully stirring the pot? 

They get into the messy middle of extended family politics, Christmas card awkwardness, and where photos live within the household.

If you’ve ever dealt with overstepping in-laws, silent partners, or hard decisions to do with your stepchildren —this one’s for you.

If you’ve got a dilemma of your own within a blended family, we’d love to hear from you.

Send it to us via Instagram @blended.

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Introducing a new partner to your children is a significant and sometimes stressful moment in blended families. Hear from Kate, Priscilla, and Nathalie as they chat about the timing and challenges of this introduction.

They address common worries, including fear, resistance from children or the opinions of ex-partners, and whether delaying the introduction is beneficial. We learn about the importance of making sure the children feel part of the conversation and how building the introduction slowly can benefit everyone.

We also hear from a listener with a dilemma:

“I’ve been seeing someone great for four months and I’m feeling ready to meet the kids. They’re aged 7 and 11 but my ex says it’s too soon and that I’m not thinking about the kids’ feelings. Should my ex’s opinion affect my timing or is this decision mine alone?”

This sparks conversations around how to navigate the role of the ex-partner and how to keep the communication amicable. If you've ever felt unsure about the big introduction, this episode reminds you that there's no right or wrong way—just what works for your unique family.

To become part of the Blended family, follow @blended on Instagram.

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This season, Kate is joined by two incredible Step-mums, Cilla & Nathalie, each with their own unique family setup. We’re here to offer different perspectives on the step-parenting experience, and we hope you’ll feel seen and understood as we share our stories and answer your questions each week.

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