For stepmum support, tools, workshops and coaching, visit: https://stepmumspace.comEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Katie talks to Jess — a stepmum to a 14-year-old girl and biological mum to an 8-year-old daughter.Jess wanted to create a warm, happy, stable home for their blended family, but found herself constantly battling against her stepdaughter’s pushback on any rule or boundary. Things were made even harder by an ex-partner who took on the “best friend” role and regularly undermined the structure Jess and her husband were trying to build.Over the years, the constant criticism, rejection and tension took a toll on Jess’s mental health and on the whole household. Despite working together to support her stepdaughter, the situation escalated, and — likely as a result of parental alienation — Jess’s stepdaughter eventually stopped coming to their home altogether.While this brought temporary relief from the constant arguments and anxiety, Jess still longs for a healthier relationship and hopes her stepdaughter will one day return. As Jess says, she’s “the missing piece of their puzzle.”This is a powerful and honest conversation for any stepmum dealing with boundary battles, anxiety, high-conflict co-parenting or the heartbreak of parental alienation.In This Episode We ExploreWhat happens when every rule becomes a battleHow parental alienation slowly shapes children’s behaviourThe emotional impact of constant criticism and rejectionAnxiety in stepfamily life and how it builds over timeHow inconsistent parenting between homes affects childrenThe “best friend parent” dynamic and why it’s so destabilisingLosing yourself in conflict and chaosWhat happens when a stepchild stops comingThe grief, relief and longing that follow estrangementHow couples can work as a team even in high-conflict situationsThese topics reflect some of the most common struggles stepmums search for when they feel overwhelmed, undermined or shut out.If This Resonates For boundaries support, emotional tools and stepmum-specific guidance, visit: https://stepmumspace.comWho This Episode Is ForStepmums dealing with parental alienationAnyone navigating high-conflict co-parentingWomen feeling undermined or shut out by the exStepmums whose stepchildren refuse contactParents and step-parents struggling with anxiety and constant conflictListeners wanting honest, compassionate stepfamily storiesHelpful Links Stepmum Space website: https://stepmumspace.com Instagram: @stepmumspace 1:1 Coaching & Couples Coaching: https://stepmumspace.comYou’re not alone, and your feelings make sense. Whenever you're ready for support that genuinely helps, Stepmum Space is here.To join the Stepmum Space Workshop visit www.stepmumspace.comSupport the show

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