Kate Ferdinand reveals her secret code with her stepdaughter Tia

Kate Ferdinand has revealed the secret code she uses to communicate with her stepdaughter Tia.

The former TOWIE star, 31, is stepmother to Rio’s three children Lorenz, 15, Tate, 13, and Tia, 11 – whose mother Rebecca sadly died in 2015 after a battle with cancer – and the couple also have a son named Cree. two together

The television personality is expecting a baby girl with Rio, a new addition to her “patted” family, as she calls it.

Speaking on Monday’s show Lorraine, she revealed that she and Tia have a secret code that tells her when to talk about her late mother.

She said, “It’s really hard when the kids are upset.” “Tia sends me the color like a heart, her mom and grandma’s favorite color, and then she wants to talk about it, maybe she doesn’t want it either, but just with that.” I know her feelings.”

Kate admitted that her stepchildren’s grief journey hasn’t always been easy, but she’s learned to deal with it and give them space.

She said, “There were ups and downs.” It wasn’t perfect, but it’s important to really communicate with the kids. It’s about knowing when to step back and give them space.”

The star – who has been married to Rio since 2019 after they began dating in 2016 – also admitted that fitting into a family as a stepparent can be difficult.

Kate said: “The kids have been through so much.” Being a stepparent is difficult, it can be difficult, but they say you’re comfortable between the ages of four and seven.

She also spoke about her new book, How To Build A Family, which aims to provide tips for other stepparents.

The star said: “There have been awkward times and I’m hoping for the tips.” [in her new book] will help others as going to the airport with a different last name is a big deal.’

Kate later joked about her and Rio’s new arrival in Lorraine, saying, “One more, oh my god.” Cree was the icing on the cake about buying us all together, so he hoped the little girl would feel the same way .’

She also spoke about how she felt during her second pregnancy.

Kate said, “I’m fine, I feel fine, but I also feel tired. I think I’ve been so busy that I haven’t thought about the logistics of having another baby.”

The TV personality announced the release of her parenting guide, How To Build A Family, on Instagram in January.

The former TOWIE star couldn’t contain her excitement as she gushed about the ‘Handbook for Modern Parents’, which aims to help blended families.

Kate said she was “nervous” and “grateful” to be able to share her advice and her own experiences.

She wrote in the reveal, “I’m just so excited (and a little nervous) to finally share this with y’all… I’ve written a book.”

How To Build A Family is a modern day parenting guide that I wish I had when I started my blended family journey.

“It’s packed with expert advice, everyday stories and some of my experiences along the way.”

“It’s there to accompany you on your journey and to cheer you up when you’re not feeling well.”

“I’m just so grateful that I was able to bring my vision to life and create something that will hopefully help others on their journey to parenthood.”

She closed the post by thanking her team and describing the message as “a real pinch moment.”

This comes after Kate previously admitted on her podcast that she’s “doing a lot better” after five years at Rio being part of a blended family.

She has spoken openly about the challenges she faced in becoming stepparents to Rio’s three children.

In May last year, she admitted she’s more worried about the “big kids,” adding that love for a stepchild is “even more intense at times.”

The podcast host detailed the “instant love” for her birth child, then added, “I feel like love for a stepchild is sometimes even more intense because you’ve worked so hard to get there, and I find myself probably exaggerating everything.”

Kate added to The Sun: “I worry a lot more about the big kids.” “There’s a different kind of worry that comes with kids who have lost a parent.”

In December, Kate said she felt like she knew her husband Rio’s late wife, Rebecca, because they “talk about her all the time.”

Kate also spoke about raising her blended family on the Parenting Hell podcast, detailing the changing dynamic with Rio and Rebecca’s three children.

She insisted that she never wanted to take her mother’s place and that knowing Rebecca has made her a better mother.

She said, “Your mother is an important part of our lives and always will be.” I never want the kids to think I’m doing the role [Rebecca].

“I’m a motherly character to her, but her mother is her mother.” She’s part of our lives. We talk about her all the time. It’s really weird, but I feel like I know her.”

She added, “In order for me to be the best mom to my three stepchildren, I need to know them and what they would do.” I embrace all of that.

“Looking back, it was tough. But I have this mentality, I love Rio and if I love Rio then it has to work.

“I want to be part of everything.” I don’t want to be a half-hearted stepmom. If I love him and the kids, I have to be there for everything.”