FAMILY
When She Turns the Kids Against You – What to Do When They Believe Her Lies
19 August 2025
What do you do when your stepchild repeats something cruel – and you know it came from her?
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most painful parts of high conflict co-parenting – when the high conflict ex tries to turn the kids against you.
For so many stepmums, this is the moment that cuts the deepest. It’s not just about the words – it’s about the fear behind them: What if they believe her? What if I lose them?
I walk you through a practical framework for responding to these moments without putting the children in the middle or damaging your relationship with them. You'll learn why defending yourself actually backfires, how to stay emotionally regulated, and most importantly, how to help your stepkids think for themselves instead of just believing whatever she tells them.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
How not to accidentally throw the child in the middle or fuel further conflict.
A response framework to use when a child repeats something cruel or confusing.
How to support the child through the confusion and protect your relationship with them over time.
The warning signs of parental alienation and when it's time to seek help.
MORE FROM ME
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Hi, I'm Kellie
I'm a stepmum of two, a high conflict survivor and a certified coach. My mission is to help stepmums (and stepmoms) like you handle the ex, with no-BS strategies that actually work (I know because I've used them myself).