Blended

Are we all counting down to bedtime?

A listener loves her children deeply but admits motherhood isn't what she expected, leaving her wondering whether other mums feel the same way.

Kate Ferdinand, Cilla Kessie and Nathalie Holmes-Lewis discuss the reality of raising young children, from exhaustion and counting down to bedtime to mum guilt, anxiety and comparing the parent you thought you'd be with the one you actually are. They also discuss why being a stepmum to older children can feel completely different from becoming a biological mum to babies and toddlers.

And, as always, the conversation goes somewhere unexpected, with the ladies debating kids in pyjamas, bonnets in public and the parenting choices they secretly judge.

Is it time we were more honest about how hard motherhood can actually be?
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Season 6 of Blended is here and Kate Ferdinand, Cilla Kessie and Nathalie Holmes-Lewis are back together for a much needed catch-up.

There’s no listener dilemma this week, but don’t worry, they’re not going anywhere. Instead, the ladies take some time to reflect on where they are right now, from body image and the things they’re learning to appreciate about themselves, to the pressure of always wanting something more.

Are we ever truly happy with what we have, or are we always looking towards the next thing? It’s a warm and honest heart to heart about gratitude, accepting yourself and taking a moment to recognise what’s already good before rushing onto what’s next.

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This week on Blended, Kate Ferdinand is joined by co host Cilla Kessie and husband Rio Ferdinand, fresh back from The World Cup. Rio shares what the experience was like, before the trio reflect on the incredible response to Tate’s recent appearance.

The panel then tackle two listener dilemmas. The first comes from a dad with two children from a previous relationship whose wife desperately wants a baby of her own. He’s finally through the sleepless nights and nappies and doesn’t want to start again, but she feels she’s sacrificed so much as a full time stepmum and longs to experience motherhood herself. The panel discuss whether it’s selfish to say no, whether having a baby for your partner could lead to resentment, and whether becoming a stepmum is ever the same as becoming a mum.

The second dilemma is from a full time stepmum who feels completely overwhelmed. She works full time, raises her partner’s children alongside their baby and carries the day to day responsibility for the whole family. While she sees everything she does as an act of love, her partner tells her she doesn’t show him enough affection. On top of that, he still enjoys nights out and time with his friends, leaving her feeling unsupported and increasingly resentful.

The conversation explores the invisible mental load of parenting, why stepparents often feel unseen, and the importance of appreciation, communication and sharing the responsibility at home. Kate and Cilla discuss whether the balance in this relationship is fair, while Rio offers his perspective on how men and women often communicate differently and why sometimes the message needs to be simpler and more direct for your partner to truly hear what you’re saying.
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This week on Blended, Kate Ferdinand is joined by co-host Nathalie and her husband, Sayce Holmes-Lewis, Founder and CEO of Mentivity.

The panel tackle two dilemmas that many blended families will relate to. First, a father is struggling after his son moved back home following university. While he wants to support him, his wife feels it’s time for him to leave. The extra financial pressure and the impact on their relationship have created growing tension. The panel discuss how long adult children should stay at home, balancing loyalty to your child with your partner’s needs, and what happens when those priorities clash.

They also answer a dilemma from a mum who believes her teenage son is negatively influencing his younger stepbrother. As the boys grow closer, the younger child is staying out later, pushing boundaries and changing his behaviour, leaving the parents divided over how to handle it.

Drawing on years of experience working with young people, Sayce shares why teenagers need guidance, structure and patience as they learn to become adults. The conversation explores the lasting impact of the pandemic on this generation, why influence is inevitable, and how parents can set healthy boundaries without pushing teenagers away.

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This week on Blended, Kate Ferdinand is joined by co-hosts Nathalie Holmes Lewis and Cilla Kessie for a much needed catch up.
Cilla is back and shares what she's been up to, how life has been treating her recently, and the realities of juggling studying, motherhood and co-parenting.

They then tackle a dilemma from a mum who is struggling with her ex's latest relationship. Just months after their separation, he's moving in with the woman he had an affair with while she was pregnant. After years of an on-off relationship, she worries he's making another impulsive decision . Her biggest concern is that in less than a year, he's moved house several times and she also wants to meet his new partner before the children stay there, but he's refused.

The panel discuss whether parents have a right to meet a new partner, how much say they should have over where their children stay and whether inconsistency should influence co parenting decisions. Kate shares why she'd always want to know the person caring for her children, while the ladies explore the importance of stability, trust and putting children first after a separation.

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