Episodios
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In this episode, I'm diving into a classic struggle: surviving family gatherings without losing your mind (or your peace). Whether itâs 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.
Hereâs what weâre 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? Weâll explore why family gatherings tend to bring out all the âhelpfulâ opinions.Prepping for Awkward Conversations: Learn how to identify potential landmine topics and decide in advancehow youâll 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? Weâll talk about ways to answerâor avoidâthem 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. Weâll cover why itâs important to stay calm and supportiveâand how to respond with grace.Setting a Time Limit and Knowing When to Leave: Family gatherings donât have to be a marathon! Weâll talk about how to know when itâs 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 letâs 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 intactâno 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.com
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In this episode, I'm joined by a fellow stepmom to dive deep into the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges we face. We get real about some of the biggest hurdles that can make us question our sanity... and maybe why we didn't just sign up for yoga instead of a blended family.
Hereâs what we covered:
Losing Yourself: That feeling when you wake up and realize youâve put yourself last for way too long. We talk about how easy it is to get caught up in being everything to everyoneâyour 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 Kidsâ Past: Admit it. You've gone down the rabbit hole of comparing yourself to your partnerâs 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 partnerâs previous relationship(s). Itâs a slippery slope to resentment. We chat about how to move forward with confidence instead of constantly comparing yourself to someone whoâs 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 oneâs 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, âIs it just me, orâŠ?â Spoiler alert: Itâs 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 youâyouâre 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.com
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In this episode, I dive into the rarely discussed but very real phenomenon of stepmom-specific anxiety. If youâve ever felt like you're constantly on edge, waiting for the next family drama to eruptâwhether it's the stepkids, the ex, or just life in generalâthis episode is for you. I'm breaking down what makes this anxiety unique, why you might be feeling it, and, most importantly, how to manage it before it manages you.
Understanding Stepmom Anxiety: It's more than just "regular" stress. I talk about the invisible load of trying to please everyone and how that leads to feeling out of place or rejected.Common Triggers: Fear of rejection, feeling like an outsider in your own home, and the pressure to be the perfect stepmom.How It Shows Up: From hypervigilance to overthinking every interaction, weâre covering how this anxiety manifests in your daily life.Coping Strategies: Real, actionable tips to help lower your expectations, let go of what you canât control, and prioritize your self-care without guilt.Community Matters: Why having a support system (like our online community!) is key to managing this unique stress.
Here's what I dive into:Resources Mentioned:
Stepmom Support Community: The Stepmom Side CommunityPodcast mentioned: What It's Like to Go From Single to StepmomWant 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
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In todayâs episode, I'm diving into a topic that doesnât get enough attentionâDad Guilt in a Stepfamily. Youâve probably heard a lot about stepmom guilt, but what about the dads? Many dads in stepfamilies feel torn between their kids and their new family. That guilt can impact everything from how they parent to how they show up in their marriage. I'll break down what dad guilt looks like, how it affects family dynamics, especially when it comes to disciplining kids, and what both partners can do to manage it together.
In this episode:
What Dad Guilt is and why it happens in stepfamiliesHow guilt can lead to avoiding discipline and letting things slideThe effects of dad guilt on bio kids, stepkids, and the marriageWhy dads feel like theyâre constantly torn between their old life and their new oneHow avoiding discipline actually backfires in a stepfamilyPractical tips to break down dad guilt and find a healthy balanceHow stepmoms can support their partners without feeling left out or resentfulIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps other stepmoms find this podcast, so we can all get through this wild ride together!
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
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Is your home feeling more chaotic than calm? In this episode, I sit down with a decluttering expert Amy Slenker-Smith to tackle all things mess-related. Whether youâre drowning in toys, paperwork, or just stuff you canât seem to part with, this episode is packed with practical tips and mindset shifts to help you reclaim your spaceâand your sanity. We dive into the emotional attachment to items, how decluttering can improve mental health, and how to get the whole family on board (yes, even the stepkids!). Plus, learn simple habits that will help you stay clutter-free for good!
The biggest mistakes people make when starting to declutter and how to avoid them.Expert tips for overcoming emotional attachment to things and finally letting go.Practical steps to start decluttering when youâre overwhelmed and donât know where to begin.How to handle the influx of clutter that comes with kids or stepkids, and keep the chaos in check.The link between decluttering and improved mental health and well-being.How to declutter with limited time and make progress in small, manageable chunks...and more!
What Youâll Learn in This Episode:Amy Slenker-Smith is a Washington DC-based Decluttering Coach and author of countless living simply articles at Simply Enough. Through her coaching program and popular blog, Amyâs framework proves that even the most unmotivated can conquer the overwhelm of stuff, save hours in their day, and create a home they love.
Connect with Amy:
www.simplyenough.net
On Facebook
5 Clutter-free Habits FREE RESOURCEWant 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
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In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, weâre diving deep into the legal side of stepfamily dynamics with none other than Tracey J. Coates, Managing Partner of Coates Family Law, PLLC. Tracey is a powerhouse attorney who represents high-net-worth and high-profile clients in domestic relations cases, including divorce, child custody, and adoption, and estate planning. Tracey is the host of the popular podcast, The Tracey Coates Show, and has published numerous articles on family law topics. She is a frequent presenter and commentator at events and appears regularly on radio and television.
What youâll learn in this episode:
- How you can better prepare before entering divorce or mediation.
- The impact of custody agreements on moving or changing living arrangements.
- Whether child support can be adjusted when an "ours baby" comes into the picture.
- Can judges and lawyers detect if someone has a mental health issue, and how does it affect your case?
Tune in for expert advice, real-life examples, and the legal tips you didnât know you needed!
Connect with Tracey:
- Website: www.coatesfamilylaw.com
- Podcast: The Tracey Coates Show
**Donât forget to subscribe to The Stepmom Side Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow stepmoms!**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
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Ever feel like your partnerâs ex is always aroundâat every event, in every conversation, and all over social media? In todayâs episode, we dive into the awkward and often frustrating reality of dealing with your partnerâs ex and how to keep your cool when it feels like theyâre *everywhere.*
Iâm breaking down:
- Why it can feel like the ex is always around (even if theyâre not!)
- How to communicate with your partner about boundaries without causing a fight
- Tips for handling social media when the ex is all over your feed (or seems to be!)
- What to do when the ex crosses the line and oversteps
- And, of course, self-care strategies to help you stay grounded through it all!
If youâre tired of feeling like a third wheel in your own relationship or just need some solid advice on how to navigate these tricky dynamics, this episode is for you!
**What You'll Learn in This Episode:**
1. How to approach conversations with your partner about the ex without it blowing up.
2. Why setting boundaries is essential and how to do it without feeling like the âbad guy.â
3. The best ways to protect your social media spaceâand your sanity!
4. How to recognize when the ex is overstepping and what you can do about it.
5. Self-care techniques to help you stay calm and collected when emotions run high.
Got a wild ex story or a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it my way here!
**Subscribe & Review:**
If you loved this episode, be sure to subscribe so you donât miss any future episodes! And if youâre feeling generous, Iâd love for you to leave a review on Apple. Your reviews help other stepmoms find the show and get the support they need too! đWant 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
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So, your stepkid doesn't like you? Join the club, girlfriend. You aren't the only stepmom that's felt that.
In this episode, I discuss:
-how it's really not something personal (promise!)
-how to deal with the disrespect
-why taking time for YOU is so important
-ways to build respect (little by little) and more!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
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Dr. Jakubowski is a well-respected international influencer on helping kids live happier, healthier lives. She has touched the lives of thousands of families in multiple states with her ability to connect and help kids experience success from challenging behaviors. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership, and nearly 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, she is highly regarded as an educational gamechanger.
In this episode, we discuss:
-Co-parenting through the school system
-Believing that everyone is trying to do the best they can
-How emails can complicate things
-Asking âcan you help you me understandâŠ.â
-Changing your delivery, changes the responses you get
-A question to kids when you think they are lying
-Problem solving with kids and more...!
Connect with Karin:
X (formerly Twitter)
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
LinkedIn
Momnificent PodcastWant 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
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Melanie Stern is a psychotherapist specializing in alcohol and substance use issues and individual adult therapy. She tailors treatment to the individual to reveal the root of the problem with therapeutic process that is informed by psychoanalytic thinking, systems, CBT techniques, and trauma-based theory and practice. She is also a mother and step-mother, enjoys running and being by the beach, and is a proud lifelong New Yorker.
In this episode, we discuss:
-what is addiction?
-how to break the habit of enabling?
-how do I/we communicate with stepkid about addiction
-what if my stepkid's mom overdosed? and more!
Connect with Melanie:
www.melaniesstern.com/
Additional resources:
We The Village Helping families treat addictionBeyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change (Book)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
After a Crisis: How Young Children Heal
Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
Talking to Teens When Violence Happens
Talking to Children When Scary Things Happen
Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things HappenWant 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
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Krista St-Germain is a Master Certified Life Coach, grief expert, widow, mom and host of The Widowed Mom Podcast. When her husband was killed by a drunk driver in 2016, Kristaâs life was completely and unexpectedly flipped upside down. After therapy helped her unfurl from the fetal position, Krista discovered Life Coaching, Post Traumatic Growth and learned the tools she needed to move forward and create a future she could get excited about. Now, she coaches and teaches other widows so they can love life again, too.
In this episode, we cover:
-5 stages of grief and why Krista thinks there's another way
-dual process model
-Dougy Center for Grieving Families
-death of a parent/coparent
-How to handle emotions you see in kids
-Post traumatic growth
To connect with Krista:
www.coachingwithkrista.com
Instagram
Facebook
Resources mentioned:
Dougy Center for Grieving Families
Grief Outloud PodcastWant 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
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First, it's normal! Completely normal. Everyone has done it, so don't beat yourself up about it.
In this episode, I discuss why it happens and how to break the cycle of repeating it. Let's be honest, you want to stop the cycle, too. You don't want this living rent free in your head.
Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair; you can do it all day, but you don't get anywhere.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
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I know this sounds like a crazy concept, especially if you have an upbringing like mine. You know, one with the authoritarian parent. "Do as I say, not as I do." or a parent that expects you to jump when they say, "jump."
Listen in on why apologizing to your stepkid when you are wrong/made a mistake is actually helpful to your relationship.
Dare I say an apology could strengthen it?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
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Ever feel like everyone else belongs but you do not?
There's a secret language they speak.
There are inside jokes.
The history they share.
The memories, vacations, and, well, you know everything that you don't share with them.
In this episode, I break down, what outside syndrome is, what it feels like, and things you can do to overcome and work through it.
We talk about this in The Stepmom Side Community. Come join us there!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, Alicia talks about being "just the stepmom" and how society puts pressure on stepmoms to show up in all the ways, but to remember that, as a stepmom, you aren't the kid's mom.
She talks about changing your perspective from being "just" the stepmom to "I'm just the stepmom." Listen in to hear the difference and for tips to embracing being just the stepmom.
Want help "Defining Your role"? Click here.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
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How hard is it to admit you are wrong?
Do you have to have things your way?
How hard is it to say, "I'm sorry"?
If those are hard questions to answer, this episode might be for you. It's a little dose of tough love to help stop your ego from driving the bus.
Listen in as I share a nickname my husband gave me early on in our relationship. (Thankfully, he never uses it now!)
The resource mentioned is: Mastering the Stressors found here.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. -
We've all been there: that awkward, "I don't know how to connect with my stepkid...but I know I should at least try.."
In this episode, I talk about
-why it's important to build connections with your stepkids
-where things can go sideways
-what to do when it doesn't go well
-how to try againWant 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. -
JP Marsh is a single "girl dad" to a 9 year old. He's gone gone from "Conflict to Collaboration" in the 7+ years of co-parenting. JP speaks, coaches, and advocates for the benefits of getting out of your own way to be adults in the eyes of your children.
In this episode, we cover:
-the double standards of stepmoms and stepdads
-changing your perspective on the other parent
-what your "cutesy" name for the ex says about you
-why being and acting like an "adult" in a blended family situation is important...and more!
Connect with JP:
on InstagramWant 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
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Christina is a San Diego native, with a degree in English from San Diego State University. She is a project manager by trade and a producer, writer and director by fun. Christina is the host of Wise Cracking Blonde Trivia Show.
In this episode, we discuss:
-what it's like having different custody schedules for siblings
-how we help the kids navigate things when they go wrong
-why Christina doesn't parent her stepkids
-why doesn't she force her stepkids to like her
-how she's gamified her family...and more.
Listen in and find yourself nodding along to relatable stories.
Connect with Christina:
www.wisecrackingblonde.com
Instagram: Wise Cracking Blonde Christina
Podcast: Wise Cracking Blonde TriviaWant 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
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If you're a new stepmom, this episode may be just a bit relatable.
I cover:
-major differences
-sharing things
-how your relationship seems to take a hit
-what stepmoms tell me they wish they would have waited on...and more!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. - Mostrar más
