Blended

Was I right to leave?

This week on Blended, Kate, Cilla and Nathalie tackle a dilemma from a mum who left her blended family after feeling that her partner consistently prioritised his 12-year-old daughter, leaving her to care for their two younger children alone. But was walking away the right decision?

The ladies debate whether all children should be treated equally in a blended family, how couples can share the mental load and what happens when you're still questioning a decision you've already made.
Plus, Rio Ferdinand makes an unexpected appearance to share his rather controversial thoughts on why women end up doing more at home...!

The ladies are loving @Humantra and have a little treat for you. Get 20% off one time purchases (excluding variety pack) and 20% off for first time subscribers with code KATE
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How do I support my partner with stepson's illness?

This week's dilemma comes from a stepmum whose stepson has a progressive illness. Her marriage is running on empty, and now her husband wants a baby because he's scared of the future. Is a baby hope, or a decision made from fear?

Kate Ferdinand and Cilla Kessie are joined by the incredible Orin Lewis OBE, cofounder and CEO of ACLT. Orin met Beverley just as her son Daniel was diagnosed with leukaemia, and in that moment he chose to stay. He tells us how their paths crossed years before they met, how he brought four children together, and why he has always been proud to say "stepdad," never "dad." This year ACLT celebrates 30 years. Since 1996, Orin and Beverley have put more than 250,000 people through the register and found around 300 lifesaving donors, all in Daniel's name.

To join the stem cell register or give blood, visit aclt.org and follow @ACLTCharity.

Send us your dilemmas on the Blended Instagram.
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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.

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 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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