The Stepmom Side Podcast

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 StepfamiliesJoin The Stepmom Side Community for support and advice: HereBook a 1:1 Coaching Call: HereWant 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.comGet on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

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 In this episode, we’re diving into how you can confidently ditch outdated traditions, create fresh ones, and build a holiday season that feels uniquely yours.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to gracefully step away from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 MentionedJoin 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.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.comGet on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

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: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.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.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?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.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.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 ChannelFree Resource: 10 Tips to Get Through the HolidaysPodcast episode: How Your Expectations Set You Up For FailurePodcast episode: Caught in the Middle: The Truth About Dad Guilt In StepfamiliesPodcast episode: Holiday Survival Guide for Stepmoms: Self-Care Strategies That Actually WorkWant 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.comGet on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

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 HolidaysJoin the Conversation:Have questions or stories to share? Connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, or join The Stepmom Side Community to continue the conversation!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.comGet on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.