Does it feel like you’re the only one laying down the law while your partner lets things slide? Are you starting to resent your stepkids when the real issue is a lack of teamwork with your partner? In this episode, Alicia breaks down why your frustration with discipline isn’t really about the kids—it’s about getting on the same page with your partner.

Alicia shares insights, practical tips, and mindset shifts to help you stop feeling like the “bad guy” in your home and start building house expectations that actually stick. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident and ready to approach your partner with a clear plan for creating structure and peace in your home.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your stepkids aren’t the problem and how to shift your mindset.
• The importance of setting house expectations with your partner.
• How to approach the conversation without triggering defensiveness.
• Actionable tips to create a united front in parenting and discipline.
• What to do when your partner’s dad guilt gets in the way.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Free resource: Set Your Stepfamily Up for Success: How to Create House Expectations That Work for Everyone!
• Podcast Episode #66: Caught In the Middle: The Truth About Dad Guilt in Stepfamilies
• Join The Stepmom Side Community for support and advice: Here
• Book a 1:1 Coaching Call: Here

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Holidays as a stepmom can feel like walking a tightrope between honoring old traditions and creating space for something new. But here’s the thing: the holidays aren’t just about the past—they’re about building a future full of joy, connection, and belonging. In this episode, we’re diving into how you can confidently ditch outdated traditions, create fresh ones, and build a holiday season that feels uniquely yours.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to gracefully step away from traditions that no longer work for your stepfamily.
• Creative and fun ideas for building meaningful new traditions (hint: gingerbread house competitions and nachos in PJs are encouraged).
• Why prioritizing connection over perfection is the ultimate holiday hack.
• A confidence boost to help you reclaim your holiday season with love and laughter.

Resources Mentioned

• Join The Stepmom Side Community for more tips, support, and holiday cheer.
• Download this free resource: “10 Tips To Get Through the Holidays.” 
• Share your holiday traditions with us! Tag me on Instagram @yourhandle.

Remember, the holidays aren’t about how they’ve always been done—they’re about how you choose to create them now. So grab that karaoke mic, bake those cookies (burnt edges and all), and own your role as the stepmom who makes this season unforgettable.

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The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for stepmoms? Let’s be real—it’s often a mix of logistical nightmares, emotional overload, and a whole lot of deep breathing. In this episode, Alicia is tackling the holiday stressors stepmoms face, straight from her Instagram broadcast channel: Stepmom Support. From co-parenting chaos to feeling like an outsider at family gatherings, we’re diving into the real struggles—and how to navigate them without losing your mind (or your holiday spirit).

Here’s what we’re covering:

1. New Schedules, New Stress:
   Many stepmoms are adjusting to new schedules in new places. Whether you’ve moved to another state or your partner’s custody schedule has shifted, trying to figure out how to make the holidays work feels like a game of Tetris no one asked to play.
2. The Planning Problem:
   The holidays fly by, and stepmoms often feel like they’re carrying the mental load of making it all happen. Add in the last-minute chaos from partners or co-parents who don’t plan ahead, and it’s no wonder so many stepmoms feel stuck trying to fit everything into an impossibly tight schedule.
3. The Flexibility Battle:
   One of the biggest complaints Alicia hears? Co-parents who are unaccommodating with their time but expect stepmoms to bend over backward for theirs. And when there’s an “older sibling who acts like a second mom,” the drama multiplies. Sound familiar?
4. The Gift-Giving Comparison Game:
   Whether it’s a competition with the ex or the kids’ expectations, many stepmoms struggle with feeling like their gifts won’t measure up. Alicia shares why this mindset happens and how to reframe the holiday gift game.
5. Sibling Tensions and Partner Inaction:
   A stressor Alicia hears about often: having stepkids and biological kids together during the holidays when they don’t get along. Worse? A partner who doesn’t step up to address the tension or hurtful behavior. We’ll talk about advocating for your kids, setting boundaries, and protecting your peace.
6. The Outsider Effect with In-Laws:
   Many stepmoms feel like their partner’s family still wishes for the “old” family dynamic, making holidays awkward or outright painful. If your in-laws treat you like a placeholder, you’re not alone—and we’ll talk about how to navigate those moments with grace and boundaries.

Resources mentioned:

• Stepmom Support Broadcast Channel
• Free Resource: 10 Tips to Get Through the Holidays
• Podcast episode: How Your Expectations Set You Up For Failure
• Podcast episode: Caught in the Middle: The Truth About Dad Guilt In Stepfamilies
• Podcast episode: Holiday Survival Guide for Stepmoms: Self-Care Strategies That Actually Work

Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.
After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!
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Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
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In this episode, Alicia tackles a common, yet often tricky, part of stepmom life: having your stepkids come back home from college. If you’re feeling torn between enjoying the holiday reunion and dreading the disruption to your routine, this episode is for you! Alicia dives into real strategies for setting respectful boundaries and practical ground rules, so everyone can enjoy their time together (without you losing your mind).

What You’ll Learn:

• How to set boundaries with college-age stepkids in a way that feels fair and respectful.
• Tips for managing household routines and responsibilities while they’re home.
• Ways to handle pushback when they’re not exactly on board with the new rules.
• Self-care tips for stepmoms during the college break period.
• How to make the most of this time and find some positives in this phase of life.

FREE RESOURCE: 10 Tips To Get Through the Holidays

Join the Conversation:
Have questions or stories to share? Connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, or join The Stepmom Side Community to continue the conversation!

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In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest pressures in stepfamily life: the expectation to create a “blended” family. Society makes us feel like a stepfamily isn’t successful unless everyone’s close and connected immediately, but real-life doesn’t always work like that. Lets break down the difference between blending and bonding and why forcing “blended” family dynamics often leads to more tension than connection.

Listen in to learn:

• Why blending isn’t the ultimate goal and what to focus on instead
• How to foster natural, individual relationships without forced bonding
• Practical ways to create shared experiences without pressure
• Real-life expectations for stepfamilies that aren’t all rainbows and butterflies

Whether you’re a new stepmom or have been in this role for a while, this episode offers practical insights to take the pressure off and focus on what truly matters.

Free Resources
30 Activities to Connect with You Stepchild At Any Age
10 Tips To Get Through the Holidays

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All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
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As a stepmom, the holiday season can feel like you’re juggling everyone else’s needs—and there’s never enough time for you. In this episode, Alicia breaks down why self-care isn’t just a nice-to-have but a must-do during the holidays. From sneaking in “me-time” pockets to setting boundaries with your schedule (yes, it’s okay to say “I’m busy!”), she shares simple, powerful strategies for protecting your peace.

You’ll learn why stepping back from the comparison trap can be the best gift you give yourself, plus practical ways to create a holiday season that feels good for you, not just everyone else. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential to being the best stepmom, partner, and person you can be.

Tune in to hear about:

• Quick, effective self-care tips for busy stepmoms
• Setting boundaries on your time so you don’t burn out
• Why it’s okay to prioritize yourself during the holiday hustle
• Avoiding the holiday comparison trap and focusing on what matters
• Why a little self-care goes a long way in supporting your family

Take this as your permission slip to put yourself first (or at least higher up on the list) this holiday season!

FREE RESOURCE: 10 Tips To Get Through the Holidays

Here are the shower steamers Alicia mentioned. (Not an affiliate link...just something that she loves!)

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In this episode, Alicia dives into a classic struggle: surviving family gatherings without losing your mind (or your peace). Whether it’s Aunt Judy offering unsolicited advice or cousins asking uncomfortable questions about your role as a stepmom, family events can turn into an emotional minefield real quick.

Here’s what we’re covering today:

• Why Family Gatherings Attract Unsolicited Opinions: Is it the holiday spirit, or do people just forget their boundaries when they pass the gravy? We’ll explore why family gatherings tend to bring out all the “helpful” opinions.
• Prepping for Awkward Conversations: Learn how to identify potential landmine topics and decide in advancehow you’ll handle them. This is your guide to staying one step ahead of the awkward questions.
• Redirecting and Defusing Comments: Discover strategies for gracefully shifting conversations or using humor to dodge unwanted opinions. Think of it as your family gathering survival toolkit.
• Handling Questions About the Ex: Does everyone suddenly have an insatiable curiosity about your co-parenting situation? We’ll talk about ways to answer—or avoid—them while keeping things respectful.
• Navigating When Kids Bring Up Their Mom: Kids can be a wildcard, especially when they bring up stories about their mom. We’ll cover why it’s important to stay calm and supportive—and how to respond with grace.
• Setting a Time Limit and Knowing When to Leave: Family gatherings don’t have to be a marathon! We’ll talk about how to know when it’s time to take a break (or gracefully exit) to protect your peace.

This episode is all about showing up with confidence, setting boundaries, and handling tough situations without letting anyone get under your skin. So, grab a cup of tea (or wine), and let’s get ready to tackle those family gatherings like the confident stepmom you are (or want to be)!

Listen now to find out how to keep your peace intact—no matter how wild the family gathering gets!

10 Tips to Get Through the Holidays-FREE RESOURCE!

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In this episode, Alicia is joined by a fellow stepmom, Lauren from Blended by Distance, to dive deep into the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges stepmoms face. They get real about some of the biggest hurdles that can make stepmoms question our sanity... 

Here’s what is covered:

• Losing Yourself: That feeling when you wake up and realize you’ve put yourself last for way too long. We talk about how easy it is to get caught up in being everything to everyone—your stepkids, your partner, their ex, and even the dog. (but seriously) We get into how to reclaim your identity without guilt.
• The Rabbit Hole of the Kids’ Past: Admit it. You've gone down the rabbit hole of comparing yourself to your partner’s past life. Whether it's obsessing over family vacations you weren't part of or analyzing photos on Facebook, we've all been there. We unpack the emotional exhaustion of living in the past and how to refocus on your present.
• Your Partner's Past: Speaking of rabbit holes... let's talk about thinking too much about your partner’s previous relationship(s). It’s a slippery slope to resentment. We chat about how to move forward with confidence instead of constantly comparing yourself to someone who’s not in the picture (but somehow feels like they still are).
• Adding an 'Ours Baby': How adding a baby together changes the dynamics of the family. Spoiler: It's not always as cute as the Instagram photos make it seem. We share tips on how to balance the excitement with the inevitable complexities it brings, from your stepkids' reactions to how your relationship with your partner shifts.
• Setting Boundaries with the Ex: This one’s a doozy. How do you set healthy boundaries with the ex without coming off like the wicked stepmom? We share personal stories and actionable tips on maintaining your peace and ensuring your relationship with your partner stays strong, even when the ex is… well, challenging.
• And More!: We also touch on some of those random stepmom moments that make you go, “Is it just me, or…?” Spoiler alert: It’s not just you. We cover everything from stepmom guilt to maintaining friendships outside of the family unit.

Tune in for a real, raw, and relatable conversation that will remind you—you’re not in this alone.

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Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
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In this episode, I dive into the rarely discussed but very real phenomenon of stepmom-specific anxiety. If you’ve ever felt like you're constantly on edge, waiting for the next family drama to erupt—whether it's the stepkids, the ex, or just life in general—this episode is for you. I'm breaking down what makes this anxiety unique, why you might be feeling it, and, most importantly, how to manage it before it manages you.

Here's what I dive into:

1. Understanding Stepmom Anxiety: It's more than just "regular" stress. I talk about the invisible load of trying to please everyone and how that leads to feeling out of place or rejected.
2. Common Triggers: Fear of rejection, feeling like an outsider in your own home, and the pressure to be the perfect stepmom.
3. How It Shows Up: From hypervigilance to overthinking every interaction, we’re covering how this anxiety manifests in your daily life.
4. Coping Strategies: Real, actionable tips to help lower your expectations, let go of what you can’t control, and prioritize your self-care without guilt.
5. Community Matters: Why having a support system (like our online community!) is key to managing this unique stress.

Resources Mentioned:

• Stepmom Support Community: The Stepmom Side Community
• Podcast mentioned: What It's Like to Go From Single to Stepmom

Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.
After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!
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Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
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In today’s episode, I'm diving into a topic that doesn’t get enough attention—Dad Guilt in a Stepfamily. You’ve probably heard a lot about stepmom guilt, but what about the dads? Many dads in stepfamilies feel torn between their kids and their new family. That guilt can impact everything from how they parent to how they show up in their marriage. I'll break down what dad guilt looks like, how it affects family dynamics, especially when it comes to disciplining kids, and what both partners can do to manage it together.

In this episode:

• What Dad Guilt is and why it happens in stepfamilies
• How guilt can lead to avoiding discipline and letting things slide
• The effects of dad guilt on bio kids, stepkids, and the marriage
• Why dads feel like they’re constantly torn between their old life and their new one
• How avoiding discipline actually backfires in a stepfamily
• Practical tips to break down dad guilt and find a healthy balance
• How stepmoms can support their partners without feeling left out or resentful

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps other stepmoms find this podcast, so we can all get through this wild ride together!

Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.
After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!
Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.
Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.