The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver

• 316: Coping With Codependent Behavior From Your Partner’s Ex

  Are you struggling with codependent behaviors between your partner and their ex, especially when it affects your blended family? In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David tackle a listener’s question about how to handle situations where her partner's ex relies on him for trivial tasks related to the kids. Discover practical tips on communicating concerns with your partner using the proven “FBI statement” method, which focuses on sharing feelings, naming behaviors, and clarifying the impact on your relationship. Lori and David also explore the difference between insecurity and legitimate boundaries, offering actionable solutions for common co-parenting frustrations. Don’t miss their insights on navigating jealousy, setting healthy boundaries, and how resources like the Nacho Kids Academy and one-on-one coaching can transform your blended family experience. #BlendedFamily #CoParenting #NachoKids

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• 315: Macaroni And Cheese, Cats, and Teenage Stepkids

  Welcome to another episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast! Today, Lori and David are joined by returning guests Crystal and Mike, who open up about blending their family over the past nine years. With two teens of totally opposite temperaments, Crystal and Mike share their experiences juggling an ambitious daughter and an unmotivated son, while trying to balance structure, independence, and support. They discuss the evolution of “nachoing” as stepparents, how they manage the messier parts of teenage life, and the ongoing challenges of co-parenting across two very different households. Crystal and Mike’s story is funny, real, and packed with lessons for any blended family. If you’re navigating the ups and downs of raising stepkids, especially during the teen years, this episode delivers wisdom, laughs, and reassurance that you’re not alone. Let’s jump in! In this episode, we discuss: Parenting Challenges with Teenagers Nacho Parenting Experience Household Rules and Responsibilities Step-Parent and Stepchild Relationships Takeaway: Blending a family isn’t a one-time challenge; it’s an ongoing journey that requires flexibility, patience, and a good sense of humor as kids grow and life changes. Resources Mentioned: NachoKids.com NachoKidsAcademy.com Nacho Parenting Testimonial: “I used to walk on eggshells. Now I walk in peace. Thanks Nacho Kids!!” ~ A.N., Charlotte, NC, USA   Listen now and be reminded that life is good when you Nacho!      

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• 314: Fairness And Conflict in the Blended Family

  Explore the complexities of blending families, including navigating different parenting styles, sibling rivalry vs. bullying, and the challenge of being fair with both biological and stepchildren.  Lori & David share practical advice on empowering kids to handle conflicts, the realities of “fairness” in stepfamily life, and why adult behavior matters just as much as the kids’.  Tune in for relatable stories, honest reflections, and tools to help your own blend thrive! In this episode, we discuss: Biases and Parental Perception "Tit for Tat" Dynamics and Parental Stalemates Exploring Resentment & Underlying Issues The Reality of Fairness in Blended Families   Takeaway: Being 100% "fair" between biological and stepchildren is extremely difficult, if not impossible, given the natural biases and different relationships. Resources Mentioned NachoKids.com NachoKidsAcademy.com Nacho Parenting Testimonial: “I now understand what Lori means when she says she Nachos Walmart! I’m Nachoing so much!! Life is Great!l.”  ~ R.K., MI    

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• 313: Daryl Potter ~ Something More: Living Well In A Broken World

  On this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori welcomes Daryl Potter, a Canadian banker and published author, for a conversation that takes us far beyond the typical stepfamily story. Daryl isn’t a member of a blended family himself, but his experience raising a child with two extremely rare medical conditions has given him a unique perspective on navigating “irregular” family dynamics and finding beauty in unexpected places. Daryl opens up about his 28-year marriage, the cultural mosaic of his household, and the challenges and profound blessings of caring for his daughter, who is the only person in the world with her combination of diagnoses. He shares how his family has had to rewrite the script on everything from holidays to family vacations, and how his son has learned life skills and empathy far beyond his years. Throughout the episode, Daryl and Lori delve into themes of grief, acceptance, reframing success, and the importance of not comparing pain, reminding us that everyone’s journey holds its own weight, no matter how “broken” it may appear from the outside. Daryl’s story is a powerful reminder that, whether you’re in a stepfamily or not, every family must find its own version of normal and discover joy, purpose, and connection along the way. In this episode, we discuss: Coping with and Managing a Severely Disabled Child Grief and Adapting to a "broken" or Non-traditional Family Impact on Siblings: The "Leftover" Dynamic Finding Meaning and Perspective in Suffering and Difference Key Advice for Parents Facing Disability or Blended Family Challenges Nacho Parenting Success Stories: “The biggest surprise? The kids are actually happier now. I stepped back, let go of the pressure, and our entire home changed for the better.” ~  S.C., California, USA  

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• 312: Sacrifices In Stepfamilies

  Welcome back to the Nacho Kids Podcast! In today’s episode, Lori and David dive deep into the realities of sacrifice within stepfamilies. Lori shares a heartfelt personal story about giving up a long-awaited lunch with a friend to help her stepson, Ethan, navigate buying a car, a perfect example of the countless everyday choices stepfamilies make for each other. Together, Lori and David discuss how sacrifice isn’t just about doing things for your own kids, but often includes stepkids and even partners.  They challenge the misconception that “nachoing” means not caring or refusing to help, and explain how setting boundaries can actually strengthen relationships and protect your mental health. The hosts also touch on stepfamily celebrations, like Stepmother’s Day, the importance of not keeping score, and why caring for your own well-being is essential. Join Lori and David as they get real about being kind, both to others and to yourself, and find out why sometimes, the healthiest choice is to Nacho. In this episode, we discuss: Reflections on Sacrifice In Stepfamilies Nacho Parenting and Relationship Nuances The Importance (and Limits)of Sacrifice Emotional Realtities and Acceptance Nacho Kids Academy Success Stories: "Having my stepkids full-time was overwhelming. I felt like I had to step up and fill shoes that weren’t mine, and it nearly broke me. Nachoing showed me that I can support their mom without trying to be their dad. Now there’s less stress, more peace, and the start of real trust growing between us." ~ Todd, WI  

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