Caught in the Middle: The Truth About Dad Guilt in Stepfamilies

In today’s episode, I’m diving into a topic that doesn’t get enough attention—Dad Guilt in a Stepfamily. You’ve 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 stepfamilies
  • How guilt can lead to avoiding discipline and letting things slide
  • The effects of dad guilt on bio kids, stepkids, and the marriage
  • Why dads feel like they’re constantly torn between their old life and their new one
  • How avoiding discipline actually backfires in a stepfamily
  • Practical tips to break down dad guilt and find a healthy balance
  • How stepmoms can support their partners without feeling left out or resentful

If 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!

Alicia Krasko Stepmom Coach Stepmom help Stepmom support Stepmom advice

Hey, I'm Alicia!

Obsessed with helping Stepmoms gain confidence, set boundaries, and navigate this wild role.

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