Kate Ferdinand has revealed she shared a secret code with her stepdaughter Tia which they use when things get “really hard”.
The former TOWIE star, who is set to welcome her second child with husband Rio into the world very soon, is step-mum to her spouse’s three children Lorenz, 15, Tate, 13, and Tia, 11.
The trio’s mum Rebecca sadly passed away in 2015 following a battle with breast cancer.
Pregnant Kate, who also shares son Cree, two, with Rio, is expecting a baby girl to join their “blended” family imminently.
And while she awaits the latest arrival to their brood, Kate, 31, has revealed how she supports her step-children in their grief for their late mother.
Speaking on today’s Lorraine, Kate revealed how she and Tia have developed a secret code which the preteen uses when she wants to talk about her late mother.
She told ITV host Lorraine Kelly: “It's really hard when the children are upset.
“Tia sends me the colour in like a heart which is her mum and grandma's favourite colour and that's when she wants to talk about it or she might not want to but its so I know her feelings.”
Kate confessed that it hasn’t been easy to navigate the children’s journey through grief but that she is continuing to learn and knows when to give them space.
She said: “There were ups and downs. It wasn't perfect but really communicating with the children is important. It is to know when to step back and give them space.”
Kate added: “The children have been through so much. It's difficult for a step parent, it can be hard but they say between four to seven years you'll feel settled.”
The former telly star married the footballer in 2019 after dating since 2016.
She was appearing on the show to promote her new book, “How To Build A Family”, in which she aims to give other parents tips on difficult and out-of-the-norm family dynamics.
“There were awkward times and I'm hoping the tips [in her new book] will help others like going to the airport with a different surname is a big one,” she said.
Kate’s candid chat came as she broke her silence following a terrifying suspected security scare at their home.
The couple were said to have experienced a security scare at their lavish home on Friday night, it has been reported.
They didn't address the incident over the weekend, but she told host Lorraine her family were "all safe and well" this morning before she added: "Thank you for asking."
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