'I worry about the big kids so much more': Kate Ferdinand admits the love for a stepchild is 'sometimes more intense' than for her biological son

By MILLIE PAYNE FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Kate Ferdinand has continued to open up about parenting in a blended family. 

The former TOWIE star is mum to 16-month-old Cree with husband Rio, and stepmum to the retired footballer's three children from his first marriage to Rebecca Ellison, who passed away of breast cancer aged 34 in 2015. 

Kate, 30, has admitted she worries about the 'big kids' -  Lorenz, 15, Tate, 13 and 11-year-old Tia - more, adding that the love for a stepchild is 'even sometimes more intense.' 

'I worry about the big kids so much more': Kate Ferdinand admitted the love for a stepchild is 'sometimes more intense' than that for biological offspring (pictured last month)

'I worry about the big kids so much more': Kate Ferdinand admitted the love for a stepchild is 'sometimes more intense' than that for biological offspring (pictured last month)

According to The Sun, the podcast host detailed the 'instant love' with your biological offspring before adding: 'I feel the love of a stepchild is even sometimes more intense, because you've worked so hard to get there and I find myself probably overdoing everything.

'I worry about the big kids so much more. There's a different kind of worry that comes with children that have lost a parent.'  

Last month, Kate said that she feels as though she knows her husband Rio's late wife Rebecca, because they 'talk about her all the time'.

Family: The former TOWIE star is mum to 16-month-old Cree with husband Rio, and stepmum to the retired footballer's three children from his first marriage to Rebecca Ellison, who passed away at 34 of breast cancer in 2015

Family: The former TOWIE star is mum to 16-month-old Cree with husband Rio, and stepmum to the retired footballer's three children from his first marriage to Rebecca Ellison, who passed away at 34 of breast cancer in 2015

Navigating: Kate, 30, has admitted she worries about the 'big kids' - Lorenz, 15, Tate, 13 and 11-year-old Tia - more, adding that the love for a stepchild is 'even sometimes more intense' (pictured with Rio in March)

Navigating: Kate, 30, has admitted she worries about the 'big kids' - Lorenz, 15, Tate, 13 and 11-year-old Tia - more, adding that the love for a stepchild is 'even sometimes more intense' (pictured with Rio in March)

The reality star began dating footballer Rio Ferdinand in 2017 - two years after Rebecca died following a battle with breast cancer.

She discussed raising her blended family on the Parenting Hell podcast, while detailing the changing dynamic with Rio and Rebecca's three children.  

She insisted that she never wanted to take the place of their mother, and that learning about Rebecca has made her a better parent.  

Open: Kate admitted she worries about the 'big kids' - Lorenz, 15, Tate, 13 and 11-year-old Tia - more, adding that the love for a stepchild is 'even sometimes more intense'

Open: Last month, Kate said that she feels as though she knows her husband Rio's late wife Rebecca because they 'talk about her all the time'

She said: 'Their mum is a massive part of our lives and always will be. I would never want the children to think I am taking the role of [Rebecca]. 

'I am a maternal figure to them but their mum is their mum. She is part of our lives. We talk about her all the time.  

'It is really weird but I feel like I know her.'

Tragic: The reality star began dating footballer Rio Ferdinand in 2017 - two years after Rebecca died following a battle with breast cancer (Rachel pictured)

Tragic: The reality star began dating footballer Rio Ferdinand in 2017 - two years after Rebecca died following a battle with breast cancer (Rachel pictured)

She added: 'For me to be the best parent to my three step-children I need to know her and know what she would do. I embrace all of that.

'When I look back it was hard. But I have got this mentality, I love Rio and if I love Rio then this has to work.

'I want to be part of everything. I wouldn’t want to be a half-hearted step mum. If I love him and the kids I need to be part of everything.'

Open: Kate insisted that she never wanted to take the place of their mother, and that learning about Rebecca has made her a better parent (pictured with son Cree)

Open: Kate insisted that she never wanted to take the place of their mother, and that learning about Rebecca has made her a better parent (pictured with son Cree)

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