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

Looking for real talk on blended family challenges, New Year's resolutions, and actionable strategies for stepfamilies? In this episode, hosts David and Lori dive deep into stepfamily dynamics and why things can change in an instant. Whether you're a stepparent, parent in a blended family, or just seeking practical advice on setting and achieving goals, this episode delivers with wit, wisdom, and warmth.

Episode Highlights:

• New Year's Resolutions & Why Most Fail: Learn why breaking goals into 90-day cycles (instead of year-long ambitions) leads to success.

• Psychology of Quick Wins: How seeing progress motivates stepfamilies, with lessons drawn from money management and video games.

• Realistic Blended Family Goals: Concrete ideas like reducing negativity and celebrating incremental progress.

• Building Relationships: Candid confessions on communication styles and maintaining healthy family or friendship connections.

• Acts of Kindness: The episode honors the memory of Ryan Webb by encouraging random acts of kindness in stepfamilies and communities.

Tune in for practical strategies, relatable stories, and the trademark Nacho Kids humor as David and Lori help you navigate life's curveballs in a blended family. From paying off your car to learning how to "Nacho" the negatives, this episode is packed with inspiration to start your year strong - one bite-sized step at a time!

Nacho Testimony: "The whole Nacho thing made no sense to me years ago when I heard about it. Now, years later, I am so thankful for this method and Lori & David! They saved my marriage!" ~ E.J., Pittsburgh, PA, USA

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts David and Lori dive into a deeply relatable and emotional topic: financial stress and holiday challenges in blended families. Lori reads a heart-wrenching post from their Facebook group about a listener struggling to provide Christmas gifts for her children due to unexpected medical expenses, while her fiancé has spent thousands on his own kids' presents. The question at the core: Is this "nachoing," or is it something deeper about the relationship itself?

In this episode:

• Blended family finances
• Holiday stress for stepfamilies
• Nacho parenting boundaries
• Asking for help and community support
• Avoiding resentment between kids and partners
• Creative solutions to financial hardship
• The meaning of teamwork in blended families
• Managing unexpected expenses together
• Ethical giving and protecting your heart

Nacho Testimony:

Learning to Nacho was the best thing I ever did! It taught me so much about myself, our blend, and our marriage. I am so thankful for Nacho! ~ T.K., Washington DC, USA

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and guest David tackle one of the trickiest challenges in blended family life: what happens when the stepkids get sick? This episode dives deep into how co-parents and stepparents can navigate illness between households, keep communication open, and prioritize what's best for the kids.

In this episode:

• The impact of sick kids moving between households

• Communication strategies during illness

• Sticking to the court order vs. using common sense

• Special considerations for newborns and "ours" kids

• Documenting decisions and preparing for possible court ramifications

• Handling stepkids and bio kids during big events or vacations

• Setting expectations with your partner before kids get sick

• The difference between nuclear families and stepfamilies in dealing with sickness

• Grace, compassion, and the realities of co-parenting through illness

Perfect for step-parents, co-parents, and anyone navigating blended families, this episode offers actionable advice, personal stories, and a dose of humor. Whether your concern is family court, protecting newborns, or just managing the stress of sick kids in a complex household, you'll find something helpful here.

Nacho Testimony:

"Nacho parenting saved my life! I'm not kidding." ~ E.W., Atlanta, GA, USA

Is your blended family struggling with cell phone boundaries? NKP340 dives deep into the real challenges and solutions around kids, technology, and stepfamily life—don't miss these actionable tips!

In this insightful episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori & David tackle one of today's hottest parenting topics: managing cell phones in homes where children move between parents. From hilarious Little House on the Prairie analogies to sobering stories of real blended family struggles, this episode offers a mix of laughter, practical advice, and must-know warnings.

Listeners will learn:

• How cell phone rules can become battlegrounds between households, and ways to set clear boundaries before problems start.

• Pros and cons of monitoring apps like Life360, Faraday bags for privacy, and navigating who controls a child's device and passwords.

• Why direct communication and trust (but verify!) are essential, and the vital role of bio parents in digital discipline.

• Eye-opening risks around online gaming, social media, sextortion, and the emotional impact of technology on kids.

• How to explain tech boundaries, and why every child—and family—may need different rules.

Connect with the Nacho Kids Podcast:

• Website: nachokids.com

• YouTube: Nacho Kids Podcast Channel

• Facebook: Nacho Kids Facebook Group

Nacho Kids Academy Testimonial: "I was at my wits end. I hated my life. I joined the Nacho Academy out of sheer desperation. I wish I would have joined it sooner! It changed my life!" M.G. ~ El Paso, TX, USA

This week on Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David dive deep into the often sticky subject of gifts: where they go, who they belong to, and the emotional complexities when kids want to bring presents between homes. Whether your family is navigating joint custody, split holidays, or parallel parenting, this episode delivers smart advice and real stories that every modern blended family can relate to.

Listeners will learn:

• The factors that influence whether gifts should travel between homes (cost, age, custody schedules)

• How withholding gifts can reinforce the sense of "two separate lives" for kids, and emotional fallout that comes with it

• Tips for setting clear expectations about gifts, including guidelines for expensive presents and clothing

• The pitfalls of competitive gift-giving between parents and how to keep the focus on your child

• Alternatives to physical presents, like sharing memorable experiences instead

• Why "guilty parent syndrome" can drive us to replace lost or broken items, and why letting kids learn consequences is often healthier

Relevant Links: Learn more about Nacho Kids: nachokids.com Join the Nacho Kids Academy: NachoKidsAcademy.com Connect on Facebook: Nacho Kids Facebook Subscribe and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts YouTube: Nacho Kids YouTube

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review, or check out the full Nacho Kids Method on nachokids.com to join the conversation and gain more support in your blended family journey!

Holidays in a blended family don't have to be stressful!

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David dive into real-life stories and practical tips on how to navigate gift-giving, family traditions, and finances during the holiday season as a blended family.

Listeners will learn how to handle common issues like kids comparing presents, managing in-law expectations with step-grandkids, and avoiding "gift competition" between households. Lori and David reveal their own strategies for dividing up gift responsibilities, setting realistic gift budgets, and creating flexible holiday traditions that don't revolve around a specific date, but focus on making lasting memories together. You'll also pick up clever ideas for dealing with uneven schedules, supplementing grandparent gifts, and why sometimes it's okay to buy your own present and wrap it up!

Lori and David share plenty of personal experiences and advice every blended family can relate to. Don't miss their heartfelt take on giving back during the holidays and the importance of gratitude, even when things aren't "Hallmark perfect."

Tune in for laughs, thoughtful insights, and a powerful reminder: Christmas is about the love and memories you create, not just the gifts you give.

Enjoyed the show? 👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and check out more resources at nachokids.com 👉 Join the Nacho Kids Academy to get even more support for your blended family

Nacho Kids Academy Testimony: "The Nacho Kids Academy was the best investment we ever made for our marriage!" ~ L.H., Aurora, IL, USA

In this candid and often humorous episode, Lori and David pull back the curtain on their personal lives, sharing the challenges and surprises that come with caring for aging parents, navigating wills and inheritance in blended families, and keeping family drama at bay during important occasions.

Listeners will hear firsthand stories about planning for final arrangements. Complete with amusing tales of funeral shopping and "drive-thru" ideas. Plus, what it truly feels like to manage adult responsibilities amid the ticking clock of family health issues. Lori and David also discuss crucial estate-planning differences for stepfamilies versus nuclear families and share insights into handling complex inheritance scenarios fairly.

You'll learn:

• Why legal planning is especially important in blended families

• How to open difficult conversations about wills, power of attorney, and inheritance

• Ways to "nacho" family drama (and why you should!)

• Real-life examples of guilt, responsibility, and the art of letting go

Episode #336 – Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs encouragement through their own family journeys!

Nacho Academy Testimonial:

"I had no idea how hard this stepfamily crap would be. We needed help and weren't afraid to admit it. David & Lori really put things into perspective and gave us hope again! Three years later, we are still Nachoing and it's great! Couldn't have done it without them!" ~ J.U., Denver, CO, USA