#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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#121: Peace Over Presents: Letting Go of Comparison in Your Blended Family Christmas
When the holidays roll around, so does the pressure — to make it fair, to make it magical, and to not lose your mind when the ex goes overboard or your stepkids start comparing gifts. In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia unpacks the gift-giving grief that shows up for so many stepmoms — the quiet, unspoken frustration of trying not to compete or control while still wanting to be thoughtful.You’ll hear how to:✨ Break the pattern of comparison between homes✨ Stop feeling like the “gift police” when boundaries get blurry✨ Reconnect with your real intentions behind giving✨ Manage your emotions when stepkids brag or gifts feel one-sided✨ Find peace, presence, and joy without overspending or overcompensatingWhether you’re navigating an over-the-top ex, trying to set spending limits, or just want to make the holidays less stressful, this one’s for you.Listen to get your peace (and sanity) back this holiday season.Podcast episode mentioned:How to Give Better Gifts with Patrick KucharsonFree resource:10 Tips to Get Through the Holidays👉 Join The Stepmom Side Community for extra support, live Office Hours, and validation from women who get it.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.
The holidays can feel like a ticking time bomb in blended families — forced togetherness, high expectations, and the pressure to make everything magical can lead to major tension between stepkids and bio kids.In this episode, Alicia Krasko tackles the emotional chaos of holiday dynamics: sibling rivalry, stepkid drama, and what to do when your partner doesn’t step up. She shares practical tools, mindset shifts, and boundary-setting strategies to help you protect your peace — especially when the oldest child is acting like a second parent.You’ll learn how to:Navigate step vs. bio kid tension during the holidaysTalk to your partner when they won’t take the leadRecognize and relieve the “parentified” oldest childSet boundaries that keep the chaos in checkAdopt a mindset of progress, not perfectionWhether you’re hosting the big dinner or just trying to survive another blended holiday, this episode gives you real-world support and permission to prioritize your peace.Free 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.
Do you find yourself googling for "Stepmom help" or "Stepmom struggles" more than you'd care to admit? If so, you're in the right place. The Stepmom Side Podcast is a conversational podcast about being a Stepmom and what that actually looks like. Host Alicia Krasko covers everything from part-time, full-time, to being an empty nester as a Stepmom. Every week, you'll get a bit of humor, advice, and a conversation that will have you taking an objective look at how you're showing up. You can expect honest (and uncomfortable) conversations with perspective shifts mixed in to help you create the life you no longer have to google for help.
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