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!

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

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