The Stepmom Side Podcast

• #126: When the Ex Still Haunts Your Blended Family: Stepmom Jealousy Explained

  Is your partner’s past still taking up space in your present-day relationship? You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. Whether it's memories of the ex, old traditions, or constant reminders of “how things used to be,” retroactive jealousy and emotional triggers are real in stepmom life.In this episode, we’re unpacking the emotional weight of feeling like you’re competing with the past—and how to move forward with confidence. We’ll talk about:Why retroactive jealousy is more common than you thinkHow your husband’s past relationship can affect your presentThe real reason these feelings sting so deeplyTangible tools to process your emotions without shameHow to create new memories and reclaim your space in the blended familyThis episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and empowered to take back your role—not as a replacement, but as a renewal.Support the showWant 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.

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• #125: When Adult Stepkids Don’t Accept You (and How to Stop Letting It Steal Your Peace)

  When you thought things would finally get easier once they were grown… but your adult stepkids still make you feel like an outsider. In this episode, Alicia digs into what’s really going on when adult stepkids won’t accept you — and how to stop tying your peace to their approval.She shares the emotional layers behind this rejection, why it’s not actually about you, and the exact mindset shifts to help you feel confident, calm, and back in control.Whether your adult stepkids are cold, distant, or flat-out disrespectful, this truth-telling pep talk will help you release the guilt, stop overcompensating, and reclaim your power — without turning bitter or backing down.Listen in to learn:Why adult stepkids struggle to accept you (even years later)How loyalty binds and family guilt still play a roleThe biggest trap stepmoms fall into when trying to “prove” themselvesWhat you can actually control (and what you can’t)How to detach from their approval and find peace on your termsFree resource:10 Tips to Get Through the HolidaysJoin the conversation:Find your people inside The Stepmom Side CommunityGet personalized coaching at aliciakrasko.com/coachingSupport the showWant 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.

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• #124: When Kids Don’t Listen (And It’s Not Because You’re the Stepmom)

  Are you a childless or childfree stepmom feeling like a broken record? Alicia gets real about the exhausting cycle of repeating yourself to your stepkids—whether it's chores, routines, or basic expectations—and feeling like it's never enough.She opens up about her own realization that forgetfulness and resistance aren’t about being a stepmom—they’re just part of how kids grow and learn. With practical tools and empowering mindset shifts, this episode will help you release the guilt, drop the unrealistic expectations, and approach those “reminder moments” with less stress and more confidence.Whether you're constantly asking them to take their shoes off, clean up after themselves, or simply follow through, this episode is your reminder that you're doing it right—even if it doesn’t feel like it.What You’ll Learn:Why kids need repetition, no matter who’s parenting themHow childless and childfree stepmoms often misinterpret forgetfulness as disrespectMindset shifts to reduce frustration and resentmentPractical strategies to stop feeling like a nagWhy needing reminders doesn’t mean you’re failing as a stepmomFree resource:10 Tips to Get Through the HolidaysSet Your Stepfamily Up for Success (House Expectations)Support the showWant 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.

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• #123: Why Stepmom Resentment Sneaks In (and How to Stop It)

  In this truth-telling episode, Alicia pulls back the curtain on one of the most common (but least talked about) emotions in stepfamily life: resentment. It doesn’t show up overnight—it builds quietly from all the unspoken expectations, invisible labor, and bottled-up feelings that come with being a stepmom.Alicia shares why resentment creeps in when you’re doing everything right but still feel unseen, unappreciated, and exhausted. You’ll learn how to spot the early signs before they blow up, how to set boundaries that protect your peace, and how to rewrite the story you’re telling yourself so resentment stops running the show.This isn’t about pretending to be okay—it’s about taking your power back and showing up for yourself, guilt-free.What You’ll Hear:What resentment really is and how it startsThe five sneaky ways resentment builds up in blended families (how many of these are ways it builds for you?)Why “invisible labor” and unmet expectations make stepmoms feel stuckHow to catch resentment before it turns into burnout or bitternessSimple ways to set boundaries and reclaim control of your roleAlicia’s personal story of realizing she was drowning in resentment—and what helped her finally let it goIf you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Why do I feel so angry when I’m trying so hard?” — this one’s for you.Free resource:10 Tips to Get Through the HolidaysJoin The Stepmom Side Community:Find your people, get real-time support, and talk about this episode with stepmoms who actually get it.  aliciakrasko.com/communityWork with Alicia 1:1:Ready to unpack your resentment, set better boundaries, and feel calm again? Book your coaching session here: aliciakrasko.com/coachingSupport the showWant 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.

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• #122: When Co-Parenting Isn’t Possible (Because the Ex Is a Nightmare)

  If you’ve tried to co-parent with someone who thrives on drama, control, or straight-up chaos… this episode is your safe space and wake-up call. In Episode 122 of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia breaks down what to do when co-parenting feels impossible because the ex just won’t cooperate.We’re not here to sugarcoat—we’re here to speak truth. Co-parenting takes two willing adults. And when that’s not happening? You need to stop wasting energy trying to fix what you can’t control. Tune in for tough love, real talk, and actionable steps that will help you reclaim your peace—even if the ex keeps lighting fires.Whether you're knee-deep in high-conflict drama or just need a sanity check, this episode will leave you feeling validated, supported, and back in your power.Resource mentioned:Podcast episode #98: Feeling Powerless as a Stepmom? It Might Be the Victim MindsetFree resource:10 Tips to Get Through the HolidaysSupport the showWant 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.

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