The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with Jon Bassford, author of The Co-Parenting Secret: It's Not About You, to talk about what healthy co-parenting really looks like, and why most families are unknowingly doing it wrong.
Jon shares his personal journey as a child of divorce, a father navigating two households, and a co-parent who intentionally chose cooperation over conflict. Together, they explore the realities of dual parenting vs. true co-parenting, the emotional toll high-conflict dynamics place on children, and how ego, resentment, and unresolved hurt often derail what's best for kids.
This conversation covers:
• Why "co-parenting" often isn't co-parenting at all • The difference between parallel parenting and collaborative parenting • How childhood divorce experiences shape adult parenting decisions • Why keeping the focus on the child changes everything • The power of accountability instead of blame • How healthy communication models emotional intelligence for kids • Creating a functional "village" even after divorce • Why showing up matters more than perfection • How to reduce transitions, meltdowns, and emotional overload for children
Jon also explains how he and his ex-wife rebuilt their post-divorce relationship with intentionality, including maintaining respectful communication, consistent parenting standards across households, and involving extended family as part of a unified support system.
This episode is a must-listen for:
✔ Stepparents feeling overwhelmed or sidelined ✔ Divorced parents struggling with communication ✔ Parents navigating 50/50 custody schedules ✔ High-conflict co-parenting situations ✔ Anyone wanting to protect their child's emotional health
If you've ever wondered whether peaceful co-parenting is truly possible, this episode proves that it is.
Because when parenting becomes about the child instead of the adults…
everything changes.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
• The Co-Parenting Secret: It's Not About You — Jon Bassford • Website: jonbassford.com
🎧 About the Nacho Kids Podcast
The Nacho Kids Podcast is dedicated to supporting stepparents and blended families through real conversations, real stories, and real solutions — all grounded in the proven Nacho Kids Method.
Life really is better… when you Nacho.
 
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When an adult stepchild moves back home, many stepparents quickly realize that blending does not end at age 18, it simply enters a new phase.
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David talk candidly about what happens when adult children return home, sometimes with partners and young children in tow. What begins as a temporary plan to save money or regroup can quickly bring up anxiety, boundaries, and old blended-family challenges you thought were behind you.
They discuss the emotional and logistical realities of shared households, including working from home with more people present, managing noise and schedules, and navigating the difference between biological-parent tolerance and stepparent tolerance.
This conversation covers:
• Adult stepkids moving back in • Why this stage can feel harder than early blending • Anxiety and resentment many stepmoms experience • Setting household expectations without creating conflict • Communicating boundaries without sounding controlling • Helping adult children without hurting your marriage • Why step-parenting does not end when kids become adults
Many blended families are surprised to learn that step-parenting continues well into adulthood, especially in today's economy, where housing costs and living expenses make independence more difficult for young adults.
If you are navigating an adult stepchild moving back home, struggling with boundaries, or feeling overwhelmed by the impact on your marriage or peace, this episode offers an honest perspective and practical reassurance.
Helping does not have to mean sacrificing yourself.
Because life is good when you Nacho.
step parenting, blended family podcast, adult stepkids, stepmom burnout, nacho parenting, blended family boundaries

When a stepchild hurts your partner, every instinct tells you to jump in and defend them, but that move often makes everything worse.
In this episode of The Nacho Kids Podcast, we unpack what really happens when step-parents step in too fast, how quickly alliances flip, and why trying to "fix" the moment can turn you into the problem.
We talk honestly about:
Watching a stepchild disrespect or hurt your partner

Why defending your partner can backfire

How the target shifts from the behavior to you

Why step-parents often feel more upset than the biological parent

The danger of keeping score

When stepping in can help and when stepping back is the healthiest move

This conversation isn't about bad kids or bad intentions. It's about understanding blended family dynamics, emotional triggers, and how to protect your relationship without escalating conflict.
Nacho isn't about disengaging emotionally. It's about disengaging from what was never yours to fix.
If you're a step-parent trying to balance boundaries, connection, and peace, this episode will help you see the situation differently and respond with clarity instead of reaction.
Keywords: step parenting, blended families, step parent boundaries, co-parenting conflict, high conflict families, step parent burnout, Nacho Kids, family dynamics, emotional safety, marriage in blended families

In this lively episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive straight into a wild story involving clogged toilets, dangerous chemical reactions, and a visit from the local fire department. Lori recounts her adventure with her friend Holley as they try to fix her dad's clogged toilet, inadvertently creating chlorine gas by mixing household chemicals. The resulting chaos - fire trucks, EMTs, neighbors, and dad's dark humor - serves as a hilarious reminder: don't mix cleaning products!
The hosts then shift the conversation toward stepfamily dynamics, exploring how emotional attachments shape responses to mistakes made by stepkids versus biological kids and close friends. Lori and David share personal anecdotes about household frustrations (think dirty dishes and leftover cereal boxes) and how they navigate daily stresses, especially with the anticipated return of David's son and more family members moving in.
Throughout the episode, there's plenty of laughter, playful banter, and honest reflection on blending families, boundaries, and giving grace - even when someone leaves time on the microwave or a mess on the counter. The episode closes with a tongue-in-cheek debate about food, chores, and who really needs to stop eating - all in typical Nacho Kids Podcast fashion.
Key Topics:
When DIY plumbing goes wrong—chemical mishaps and calling 911

Differences in reactions to mishaps between stepkids, bio kids, and friends

The rising stress of blended family living arrangements

Household chores, boundaries, and comedic interactions between hosts

Listeners get a healthy dose of humor, relatable stepfamily struggles, and a reminder that sometimes, all you can do is "nacho"—let go and laugh about it.
Nacho Kids Testimony:
"I no longer regret marrying my husband! Thank you Nacho!" ~ H.H., Montgomery, AL, USA

Kick off 2026 with laughter and real talk! In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David explore the powerful topic of expectations—why they trip us up, how to let go of what others "should" do, and how to build more peace and happiness in your blended family life.
In this episode:
Why expecting others to change (especially as a New Year's resolution!) sets you up for disappointment

How your personal stories, judgments, and baggage shape what you expect from others—and how to rewrite those scripts

Practical advice on shifting your mindset, spotting unrealistic expectations, and finding the positive even in tough times

The importance of controlling your own reactions and embracing ownership of your actions and mistakes

Why social media and Hallmark movies might be sabotaging your happiness

Exciting news about donated Nacho Kids Academy scholarships, courtesy of the amazing Sylvia Krakauer

Nacho Testimony:
"If it wasn't for Nacho Parenting, I'd be divorced... again!" ~ L.W., Canton, OH, USA