The Stepmom Side Podcast

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 insteadHow to foster natural, individual relationships without forced bondingPractical ways to create shared experiences without pressureReal-life expectations for stepfamilies that aren’t all rainbows and butterfliesWhether 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 Resources30 Activities to Connect with You Stepchild At Any Age10 Tips To Get Through the HolidaysWant 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.

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 stepmomsSetting boundaries on your time so you don’t burn outWhy it’s okay to prioritize yourself during the holiday hustleAvoiding the holiday comparison trap and focusing on what mattersWhy a little self-care goes a long way in supporting your familyTake 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 HolidaysHere are the shower steamers Alicia mentioned. (Not an affiliate link...just something that she loves!)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.

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!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.

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.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.