Stepfamilies: Why do we feel so differently about stepkids versus our own?

In this episode of the  Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David get real about the honest, sometimes awkward truths of parenting in blended families.

Tune in for relatable stories and candid conversations about how Lori and David each navigated the differences in parenting their biological kids and stepkids: from fixing breakfast, handling car insurance stress, and reacting to cereal bowls left on the counter. You’ll hear them wrestle with those moments when their feelings and priorities aren’t the same for “yours” and “mine,” and why that’s natural, not shameful. The hosts share personal experiences with their grandkids and step-grandkids, discussing the guilt and expectations that come with loving stepchildren, and reflect on how relationships evolve as the kids grow up.

Listeners will learn:

• Why step and bio parents often react differently—and why that’s normal

• How to approach car insurance, chores, and family events without losing your mind

• Tips for discussing expectations around finances, discipline, and love in a blended family

• The impact of child support, and how family structure changes from one generation to the next

Nacho Kids Testimonial:

"Nachoing gave me peace without guilt. It literally saved my marriage." T.M., Dallas, TX, USA

In this episode, host Lori Sims welcomes returning guest Summer Butler to discuss her newly released resource, "Blended: Navigating Life Between Two Homes." Aimed primarily at preteens but helpful for children as young as seven, this workbook-style guide was born out of Summer's direct experience coaching children in blended families. She shares how the book helps kids navigate loyalty conflicts, big emotions, family transitions, and communication between homes, especially in situations where one parent doesn’t consent to outside help.

Lori and Summer dive into common challenges for children split between homes, including feeling stuck in the middle, hiding their true emotions, and managing shifting boundaries and rules. Summer explains how the workbook includes journaling prompts and activities to help kids process their feelings, build connections with stepparents, and set healthy boundaries. They touch on the lasting impact loyalty binds can have, even into adulthood, and the importance of not putting children in the middle of parental conflict.

Summer also announces her upcoming children’s book for younger kids, "Mallie’s Two Homes and a Deer Named Darla," which will come with a stuffed deer as a comfort object to help little ones transition between homes.

Throughout the episode, Lori and Summer provide real-life examples, discuss communication tips for parents and stepparents, and emphasize the need for compassionate, child-centered approaches in blended families. Check out Summer’s resources for both young children and parents seeking to foster healthier blended family dynamics.

For more information and to pre-order the new book and workbook, visit: blendedbookco.com

In Episode NKP330 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David Sims dive deep into some common misconceptions about the Nacho Kids philosophy. They clarify the true mantra: "Nacho Kids, Nacho Responsibility," highlighting the crucial difference between a problem and a responsibility in stepfamily dynamics.

The hosts reflect on their personal experiences and how step-parents often unintentionally take on roles that lead to resentment down the road. Lori and David discuss the importance of boundaries, recognizing each partner’s unique parenting style, and not personalizing issues that arise in blended family life. They address the natural shifts in relationships over time, especially as the initial excitement fades, and the value of focusing on positive aspects instead of getting lost in negativity.

The conversation also touches on individual preferences, introvert vs. extrovert dynamics, finding balance in relationships, and appreciating both shared and solo interests as a couple. With their usual humor and honesty, Lori and David encourage listeners to embrace change, communicate openly, and remember that your relationship’s happiness is an inside job.

Key Topics:

• Nacho Kids Mantra: "Nacho Kids, Nacho Responsibility" vs. "Nacho Problem"

• The challenges of step-parenting and managing expectations

• Navigating relationship changes and self-reflection

• Emphasizing individual growth and contentment within a blended family

• The importance of celebrating differences and shared experiences as a couple

Tune in for relatable stories, practical advice, and a reminder to focus on making your relationship just a little bit better each day!

In this heartfelt and candid episode, Lori and David sit down with Ron and Nan Deal to discuss their new book, "The Mindful Marriage." The conversation dives deep into the real-life struggles and breakthroughs the Deals have faced in their marriage, including coping styles, emotional reactivity, and the journey toward self-growth. Ron and Nan share vulnerable stories from their own relationship, highlighting how self-reflection, humility, and self-control have transformed not only their marriage but their approach to life’s stressors - from parenting to grief after the loss of their son.

Listeners will relate to the honest talk about blame, shame, control, and escape in relationships and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions. The Deals also touch on the resources available through their work, the critical role of grace, and finding peace after facing life’s hardest moments. Whether you’re in a blended family or not, this episode offers valuable tools for anyone seeking healthier connections and a more mindful, compassionate approach to relationships.

Key topics:

• The impact of reactivity in relationships

• Emotional regulation and mindfulness

• The power of humility and self-reflection

• How past experiences shape present interactions

• Navigating grief and addiction as a couple

• Building (and rebuilding) trust

• Supporting others through vulnerability and authenticity

Nacho Testimonial

We don’t argue about the kids anymore. That’s all Lori. ~ Z.M., Lexington, KY, USA

Feeling tired, hangry, or just out of sorts? This week on the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive into how emotions like hunger, anger, loneliness, and exhaustion can derail crucial conversations in blended families - and what to do about it.

In this candid and witty episode, Lori and David unpack the HALT method (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), sharing personal stories and practical tips for recognizing when you're not in the right headspace for tough talks with your partner or stepkids. You'll learn why it's so important to hit pause on those "serious" discussions when emotions are running high, how quick wit and sarcasm can be double-edged swords, and why self-awareness and communication are crucial for stepfamily harmony. Plus, Lori gets real about her bandwidth, menopause mood swings, and the importance of being kind - even when family members aren’t!

Listeners will walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of how emotions affect stepfamily dynamics

• Concrete tips for using the HALT method before crucial conversations

• Relatable humor, self-reflection, and the importance of knowing your limits

Don’t forget to visit nachokids.com for more resources, and follow Nacho Kids on Facebook and Instagram.

Struggling with the challenges of blending families? Discover practical ways to set healthy boundaries and rediscover yourself in stepfamily life!

In Episode NKP327 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori welcomes Heather, a stepmom navigating her first year in the blending trenches. Heather opens up about her journey from confident “super stepmom” to being overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations - especially around food, household chores, and parenting differences. She shares how discovering the Nacho Kids approach helped her step back, reduce resentment, repair relationships, and reclaim her joy.

Listeners will learn:

• Why even experienced parents can feel blindsided by blending families

• How the pressure to be a perfect stepmom creates unnecessary stress

• The transformative power of “nachoing”—letting go, stepping back, and focusing on your role as a supportive partner rather than a replacement parent

• Strategies for addressing common stepfamily struggles, like different household routines and conflicting parenting styles

• The importance of self-care, healthy communication, and seeing situations from the stepchild’s perspective

Heather’s story is relatable, candid, and full of “aha!” moments for anyone in a blended family. Whether you’re a new stepparent or a veteran, this conversation will inspire you to find more peace in your home.

Listen now and remember: Life is good when you Nacho!

Nacho Kids Testimonial:

My stepdaughter still ignores me, and I’m fine. That’s the Nacho shift. ~ H.P., New York, NY, USA

Struggling to understand why your partner “guilty parents”, or noticing it in yourself? This episode dives deep into what “Guilty Parent Syndrome” (GPS) is, why it’s so common in blended families, and how partners can navigate it with empathy and confidence.

In Episode #326 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David get real about guilty parent syndrome: when guilt affects how parents discipline or interact with their kids, often leading to inconsistent boundaries, indulgence, or fear of “losing” time or connection.

Lori and David share their personal experiences of “parenting through guilt,” offer practical scenarios from stepfamily life (like inconsistent discipline or “guilty gift-giving”), and explain why this isn’t just a stepfamily phenomenon. They break down why GPS can hit bio-parents so hard and why stepparents, especially those without children, may have trouble truly “getting it.” You’ll learn why empathy, communication, and realistic expectations are essential for healthier co-parenting and happier homes.

Want to go deeper? Check out Nacho Kids resources, join the Nacho Kids Academy, or connect on social media.

Discover what happens when a blended family actually flourishes. Yes, it’s possible! In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with a remarkable teenage stepkid who shares his rare, positive perspective on navigating life with divorced parents, stepfamilies, and even step-siblings.

Listeners will get an inside look at what healthy co-parenting looks like through the eyes of an easygoing stepkid who has strong, drama-free relationships with his stepmom and stepdad. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of adapting to living in two homes, forming real bonds with step-siblings, and what happens when boundaries and respect are mutual between parents and step-parents. He opens up about the hardest parts of his parents’ divorce, how therapy helped, and why he recognizes his stepparents on Mother’s and Father’s Day (yes, really!).

This episode reveals not only practical tips for parents and stepparents, like the importance of strong communication, setting boundaries, and letting kids emotionally process big changes, but also offers hope that peaceful blended families do exist. Plus, you’ll hear touching anecdotes about handling holidays, family traditions, and even what to do if your parents get along so well their new partners become friends!

What you’ll learn:

• What helps stepkids develop strong bonds with stepparents

• How living arrangements impact stepkid/stepparent dynamics

• The importance of boundaries, communication, and therapy after divorce

• Handling holidays and traditions in blended families

• Real stories of stepkid/stepfamily relationships that actually work

Links:

• Check out our website and blogs: nachokids.com

• Follow Nacho Kids on Facebook: Nacho Kids Facebook

• Join the Nacho Kids Academy: Nacho Kids Academy

Listen to NKP325 for an inspiring dose of hope, and a reminder that peace and love are possible in stepfamilies. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to support more real-life blended family stories!

Nacho Kids Testimony:

Coaching with Lori pulled us back from the edge of divorce. ~ J.F., Chicago, IL USA

Laugh your way through the ups and downs of blended family life in Episode 324 of the Nacho Kids Podcast! Hosts David and Lori bring their signature humor and honesty to a fresh discussion about the realities of stepfamily dynamics—proving it’s always a hot mess, but never without a laugh.

In this episode, you’ll:

• Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into David and Lori’s relationship as they share candid moments and jokes about married life in a blended family.

• Hear how they transform challenging topics—like issues around stepkids and “family sucking otherwise”—into opportunities for connection and laughter.

• Feel validated if you’ve ever struggled with tough family topics, as the hosts keep things real while still making space for joy and fun.

Although there’s no featured guest in this episode, David and Lori’s chemistry and honest banter will make you feel like you’re sitting at the kitchen table with old friends. This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the stepparent journey or looking for a little comic relief in the midst of family chaos.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share your favorite moment, and leave us a review so we can keep spreading the laughter!

Find more episodes and resources: Website: nachokids.com Facebook: Nacho Kids Instagram: @nachokids

Join the Nacho Kids community and turn your “hot mess” into your happy place!

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori welcomes back Michaela Bucchianeri to explore emotional regulation, a crucial skill for every stepmom and stepfamily member. Michaela breaks down the myth that emotions are the enemy and shares actionable tips for managing stress responses like fight, flight, and fawn. Discover practical tools for building emotional vocabulary, reframing negative thoughts, and intentionally choosing which situations to engage in. Learn why emotional awareness is vital in step-parenting, how to avoid people-pleasing traps, and ways to protect your mental and physical health from chronic stress. Perfect for stepmoms seeking healthier relationships, self-regulation, and a happier blended family life.

Key elements:

• Emotions aren’t the enemy - learn to work with them, not suppress them.

• Stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) and their impact on stepfamily life.

• Ways to expand emotional vocabulary for better self-awareness and communication.

• Tips for reframing situations to reduce conflict and emotional overwhelm.

• The importance of intentionally choosing situations to protect your emotional energy.

• How people-pleasing and over-functioning can cause long-term burnout.

• Actionable self-regulation techniques to support your health and stepfamily dynamics.

Perfect for stepmoms and blended families seeking actionable advice on emotional wellness, setting boundaries, and strengthening relationships. #stepmomlife #emotionregulation #blendedfamilytips

Resources Mentioned

• NachoKids.com

• NachoKidsAcademy.com

Nacho Parenting Testimonial:

I stopped crying in the bathroom after coaching with Lori. I finally feel like “ME” again. Forever Grateful! S.B., Nashville, TN, USA