The Stepmom Side Podcast

School events can trigger outsider syndrome for stepmoms. Especially when their partner’s ex and extended family will be there. Where should everyone sit? Should divorced parents and stepparents attend events together? What happens when a partner acts differently around their ex? And does a stepmom need to attend parent-teacher conferences to prove she cares?
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia shares her experience of feeling ignored, displaced, and unsure where she belonged during school events. She also explains why she sometimes chose not to attend parent-teacher conferences when her role felt unclear.
Alicia helps stepmoms prepare for school concerts, sporting events, open houses, conferences, and other activities without forcing an uncomfortable version of “happy co-parenting.”
In this episode, Alicia discusses:
Why school events can intensify outsider syndrome for stepmoms
Deciding whether divorced parents and stepparents should sit together
Why separate seating may sometimes be the healthiest option
Planning for each school event individually
What to do when a partner’s ex ignores or excludes the stepmom
How to respond when a partner acts differently around their ex...and more.
There is no universal rule that says every blended family must sit together or attend every event as one group. The healthiest arrangement is the one that reduces tension, supports the child, and allows each adult to behave respectfully.
If school events leave you feeling like an outsider, you do not have to work through those feelings alone.
Join The Stepmom Side Community:
https://aliciakrasko.com/community
Explore one-on-one coaching with Alicia:
https://aliciakrasko.com/coaching
Support the show
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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Back-to-school planning can get complicated quickly in a blended family. Who buys the school supplies and clothes? Who completes registration forms, manages transportation, receives school updates, and pays for extracurricular activities? And how involved should a stepmom be when she is affected by these decisions but may not have decision-making authority?
In this episode, Alicia shares how back-to-school responsibilities changed when her stepson moved into her home full time—and why responsibility, access, and authority need to be discussed individually. She explains how stepmoms and their partners can divide the workload, prepare for different routines between homes, and prevent one person from silently becoming responsible for everything.
Alicia discusses:
Deciding who purchases school supplies, clothes, shoes, and equipment
Reviewing the parenting agreement before requesting reimbursement
Dividing registration, forms, transportation, and school communication
Choosing whether a stepmom wants to be an emergency contact or approved for pickup....and more!
There is no universal formula for dividing back-to-school responsibilities in a blended family. Some stepmoms want to be highly involved, while others prefer school logistics to remain primarily with the parents. What matters is that the arrangement is discussed, agreed upon, and supported.
Download the free House Expectations resource to begin a clearer conversation with your partner:
https://aliciakrasko.com/expectations
Join The Stepmom Side Community for practical support from women who understand blended-family roles, boundaries, and expectations:
https://aliciakrasko.com/community
Support the show
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.

What if you don’t like your stepkids? It’s the question that stepmoms whisper to themselves and rarely admit out loud. In this episode, Alicia unpacks why these feelings show up, why they don’t make you a “bad stepmom,” and how to move through them without shame.
You’ll learn:
Why it’s normal to not always like your stepkids
How societal expectations set stepmoms up for guilt
Simple shifts to ease the tension when relationships feel strained
How to release the pressure to force a bond
This is your permission slip: you don’t have to like your stepkids 24/7 to be a good stepmom.
Support the show
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.

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko sits down with certified stepfamily coach Darlene Sparks for an honest conversation about the realities of stepmom life—because “just love them like your own” is not exactly a complete instruction manual.
Darlene shares her experience navigating identity loss, rejection, complicated family relationships, and feeling like an outsider in her own home. Together, Alicia and Darlene discuss how stepmoms can protect their peace without disconnecting from their stepchildren.
In this episode:
Why many stepmoms feel unprepared for blended family life
Stepmom guilt, stereotypes, and unrealistic expectations
How self-protection can unintentionally create more distance
Setting boundaries in high-conflict situations
Responding instead of reacting during family conflict
Letting go of what a stepmom cannot control
Supporting stepchildren while protecting emotional well-being
This conversation reminds stepmoms that they can remain loving and involved without sacrificing themselves to keep everyone else comfortable.
Connect with Darlene:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
Find more support:
Join The Stepmom Side Community
Explore private coaching with Alicia
Support the show
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.

Blended families don't become connected overnight—and honestly, nobody hands you a roadmap.
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia sits down with Ashley from The Blended Bond to talk about what actually helps blended families feel more connected. From awkward first family meetings and navigating transitions to chore systems, parenting teenagers, and learning to stop taking everything personally, this conversation is filled with practical strategies and reassuring reminders for stepmoms.
Ashley shares how intentional family conversations transformed their blended family dynamic, why asking kids what they need can change everything, and how creating routines and structure helps everyone feel more secure. They also discuss the emotional shift from part-time parenting to full-time parenting, the pressure stepmoms often place on themselves to "get it right," and why your stepchildren's moods and reactions are not always a reflection of you.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why family meetings can improve communication and trust in blended families
How to help stepchildren feel more comfortable and at home
The importance of asking kids what they need during family transitions
How routines and structure create stability for children in two homes
Why teenagers' attitudes aren't always personal
How to stop seeking validation from your stepchildren
Why perfection isn't required to be a good stepmom
The surprising ways small moments and traditions build connection over time
Whether you're newly blending, parenting teenagers, or simply trying to feel more confident in your role, this episode will remind you that blended families don't need perfection—they need intentional connection, communication, and grace.
Connect with Ashley:
Website: blendedbond.com
Instagram: @blendedbond
TikTok: @playblendedbond
****Promo code: STEPMOMSIDE20 (for 20% off any BB products)****
Support the show
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.