Episode 47: When Your Stepchild Has Additional Needs: Blending Families Under Pressure

For stepmum support, tools, workshops and coaching, visit: https://stepmumspace.com
Sally shares the challenges of blending families while raising a neurodiverse stepchild — and how it stretched her emotionally, practically and personally. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, unsure or guilty in your stepmum role, this conversation will help you feel seen. Real, honest, and full of compassion.


In this episode, Katie speaks with Sally — a stepmum and biological mum — about the real-life challenges of blending families and raising a stepchild with additional needs.


Sally shares her journey from being a single mum to navigating the emotional and practical complexities of bringing two families together. From the early days of adjustment to the ongoing work of building trust, connection and stability, Sally’s story is honest, grounded and deeply validating for any stepmum who feels stretched thin.


In This Episode We Explore:

• What blending families really looks like when you’re already depleted
• The emotional toll of being a stepmum to a child with additional needs
• Feeling pulled in every direction — and how to stay steady
• The pressure on the couple relationship when needs are high
• Managing guilt, resentment and overwhelm as a stepmum
• Balancing compassion for yourself, your partner and all the children
• Why support matters — and how coaching can help stepmums feel less alone

If This Resonates
For personalised tools, strategies and support, book a free introductory coaching call:
https://www.stepmumspace.com/booking




Learn more about Katie’s approach and experience:
 https://www.stepmumspace.com




Who This Episode Is For:

• Stepmums navigating neurodiversity in blended families
• Women struggling with bonding, guilt or emotional overwhelm
• Anyone who’s gone from “no kids” to “full household” overnight
• Stepmums wanting clearer boundaries and steadier footing
• Listeners looking for honest, non-judgmental stepmum stories

Keywords:
struggling stepmum, stepmum support, neurodiverse stepchild, blended family challenges, bonding with stepkids, overwhelmed stepmum, stepmum podcast, parenting neurodiverse children, emotional support for stepmums, stepmum guilt, stepmum boundaries


Helpful Links:
Stepmum Space website: https://stepmumspace.com

Instagram: @stepmumspace
1:1 Coaching & Couples Coaching: https://stepmumspace.com




You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. Connection takes time — and you deserve support while you figure things out.


To join the Stepmum Space Workshop visit www.stepmumspace.com


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