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

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

On today’s episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with Chad Bignac, transformationist, consultant, author, and coauthor of the new book “Blend, Don’t Break.” Drawing from over 22 years of blended family experience, Chad opens up about the challenges he and his wife faced merging their families after personal tragedies, including the loss of his first wife and his current wife’s ex-husband.

Chad shares candidly about the painful missteps and valuable lessons learned along their journey, from clashing parenting styles and personal assumptions to the importance of unity, compassion, and self-growth. He details the turning point in his family’s story, catalyzed by his wife’s severe health crisis, and how choosing to respond rather than react helped heal deep family rifts.

Through heartfelt stories and practical wisdom, Chad emphasizes the power of compassion, influence over authority, and the need to unpack old emotional baggage before starting anew. Whether you’re in a blended family or looking for guidance on overcoming personal and family struggles, this episode offers honest insights and hope for healing and connection.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Early Challenges in Blending

- Authority vs. Influence in Parenting

- Becoming a “Student of Your Children”

- Creating Environments for Healing in Blended Families

- Advice for Prospective Stepfamilies

Nacho Kids Success Story:

I thought stepping up meant stepping all the way in, but it was destroying me.

As a stepdad, I believed it was my job to take the lead and fix everything. I disciplined, managed homework, scheduled appointments… and got nothing but pushback. My wife and I were constantly arguing, and I felt like an outsider in my own home. Then we found Nacho Kids. Learning to Nacho helped me stop parenting by proxy and start supporting my wife as her partner, not as a replacement dad. The stress lifted, and surprisingly, my stepkids started warming up to me once I stepped out of the power struggle. Nacho Kids didn’t just change our home, it gave me my peace back. ~Mark T., Stepdad of 2

Welcome back to another episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast! In today’s show, Lori and David dive into a challenge faced by many blended families: What happens when one partner feels that their stepchild is being disrespectful, and the biological parent doesn’t step in? Kicking things off with a listener's heartfelt question, Lori and David unpack the complexities of stepkids shouting or insulting their stepparent and stepsibling, as well as the tension that arises when boundaries and respect are on the line.

Throughout the episode, they discuss practical strategies for handling disrespect without overstepping boundaries, the importance of focusing on your own responses, and how to talk to your partner about these challenging issues without stirring up more conflict. The hosts also highlight why sibling (and step-sibling) rivalry can sometimes be just as much about building bonds as it is about butting heads, and why letting kids work out their differences can lead to healthier relationships in the long run.

Whether you're a parent, stepparent, or somewhere in between, today's episode offers real-life insights and actionable advice on navigating respect and boundaries in a blended family. Grab your headphones and get ready to "nacho" your way to a happier home!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Nacho Parenting Philosophy in Conflict Scenarios

• Responding to Disrespect from Stepchildren

• Perceptions of Respect and Boundaries

• Stepparent vs. Biological Parent Discipline Dynamics

• Navigating Sibling and Stepsibling Relationships

Nacho Kids Academy Success Stories:

"Nacho Kids Academy saved my sanity and my marriage. It took a little while because my husband wasn’t happy with me Nachoing. He didn’t understand it. But once he saw the positive changes from my Nachoing, he couldn’t deny that Nachoing was changing things for the better.” ~ Ellison - Happy stepmom in TX

On today’s episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with "Bookworm Stepmom," for a heartfelt and engaging conversation about navigating the highs and lows of blended family life. Stepmom opens up about her journey from single and childless to stepmom of two girls and mom to two more young children, one of whom is autistic. They dig into the realities of co-parenting with an ex, maintaining balance in a blended household, and how stepmom’s personal experiences as a stepchild shape her compassionate approach to stepmotherhood. From honest discussions about the challenges of special needs parenting and managing finances for the future, to candid stories about family dynamics, Bookworm Stepmom shares wisdom, humor, and practical tips for anyone in a blended family. Whether you’re a stepparent, bio parent, or just love an honest family story, this episode is packed with lessons and laughs you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Expanding the family with "ours" kids
• Dealing with high-conflict and jealousy
• Navigating divorce, affairs, and co-parenting
• Parenting Special Needs ("Ours") Child
• Financial planning and inheritance in Blended Families

Nacho Kids Academy Success Stories:

I Didn't Need to Leave - I Just Needed to Nacho

I was emotionally exhausted, constantly fighting invisible battles in my own home. My stepkids ignored me, my partner seemed stuck in the middle, and every day felt like I was losing a piece of myself. I thought the only way to find peace was to leave.

Then I found the Nacho Kids Academy.

At first, I was skeptical - how could not parenting actually help? But the step-by-step guidance, real-life examples, and support inside the Academy opened my eyes. I learned how to let go of the responsibilities that were never mine to begin with. I stopped trying to fix things I didn’t break. And I finally started healing.

The results? Less tension. More laughter. A stronger marriage. And oddly enough, a better connection with my stepkids now that I’ve stepped back.

Nachoing didn’t mean giving up. It meant choosing peace—and I’ll never look back. If you're struggling, this isn't just a course. It's a lifeline."

~ Jessica T. - A now happy stepmom! Thanks Nacho!

Welcome back to the Nacho Kids Podcast! In this heartfelt and relatable episode, hosts David and Lori dive into the annual struggle of graduation ticket allocations. With only a handful of coveted seats for high school and college ceremonies, blended and extended families are often left negotiating who gets a spot in the audience—and who doesn’t. Through personal stories and a bit of humor, David and Lori explore the emotional minefield that limited tickets can create for parents, step-parents, grandparents, and, most importantly, the graduates themselves. They emphasize the importance of keeping the celebration focused on the students and share creative ideas for making everyone feel included, even if they can’t physically be at the ceremony. Whether it’s planning an after-party or tuning in to a livestream, they remind listeners that graduation is about honoring the kids without piling on extra stress. Join them as they navigate one of the tricky realities of modern family life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Graduation Ticket Challenges
• Emotional Impact on Graduates and Families
• Solutions When Tickets are Limited

Nacho Kids Academy Success Stories:

"Before finding Nacho Kids Academy, I was on the verge of leaving my marriage. I loved my husband, but the constant tension with his kids and the drama with the ex was tearing me apart. I felt like I was walking on eggshells in my own home, trying to parent kids who didn’t want me there.

Joining Nacho Kids Academy was a game-changer. I learned how to step back without stepping away, how to Nacho the things that weren’t my responsibility and focus on my relationship with my husband and myself. The coaching calls, the community, the step-by-step layers, it all gave me tools I didn’t even know I needed.

Now, my home feels peaceful again. I can show up as a loving partner without feeling like I’m constantly battling for space or respect. And the best part? My relationship with my stepkids has actually improved because I’m no longer forcing something that wasn’t working.

If you’re a stepparent feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready to give up, please, do yourself a favor and join Nacho Kids Academy. It saved my marriage and my sanity." - Sarah M., Stepmom of 2