Kate Ferdinand has said there is "a lot more pressure" on step-parents whilst opening up about her experience, which she revealed involves its fair share of "overthinking."
The podcast host, 30, is married to Rio Ferdinand, 43, who has three children from his previous marriage to the late Rebecca Ellison, who sadly passed away in 2015.
The former footballer married Kate in 2019, with her having become the step-parent of Lorenz, 15, Tate, 13, and Tia, 10. The couple later welcomed a child together, Cree, now one.
Throughout the years, Kate has spoken about what it's like as a blended family - even launching her own platform for others - and has now further discussed her experience.
She appeared on the latest episode of the podcast Made By Mammas, in which she said that being a step-parent is a "huge role" and one that involves quite a bit of pressure.
Kate said: "I find it sometimes it's a lot more pressure - I don't know if I put the pressure on myself - than a biological parent because I'm so desperate to make it work."
The Only Way is Essex alum admitted that she has a tendency to "over-analyse" and "overthink everything" when it comes to her raising her three step-children.
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During a discussion about the perception of such a role, she expressed the opinion that "society makes us feel a step parent isn't enough, or isn't good enough."
She however then asserted: "I'm their bloody step mum and I do a good job." Kate added that it's simply other people's perceptions that are put onto step-parents.
And despite the way the role may be viewed, she said that receiving positive feedback from her step-children is "like the best feeling ever," having worked "so hard" for years.
Asked whether she feels a different sense of pressure parenting her step-children compared to her biological child, Kate said that she doesn't feel any differently at home.
She however said that she sometimes feels different when she's out and about, especially if she's telling one of the kids off in public - with her concerned about people's perception.
Kate explained: "I don't really overthink the Cree situation because I'm confident in my role. But sometimes with the kids, depending on who's around, I do overthink it."
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