The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver

Lori Sims & David Sims
  • 4.8 (270)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Stepfamilies and blended families are very challenging. With a failure rate of over 70%, it's clear that blended families need help. Nacho Kids founders and blended family coaches, Lori and David Sims, are here to help blended families save their sanity and relationships. You'll hear the hosts and guests discuss the struggles and successes of blended family life and learn how the Nacho Kids Method is changing lives and saving relationships around the world.

  1. 13h ago

    377: Watch How You Say It

    In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David discuss communication challenges between stepparents and bio parents, especially regarding parenting decisions and stepkids. The hosts share personal anecdotes about feeling defensive when their children are criticized, emphasizing that wording and approach make a significant difference in how such conversations are received. Launch of the Nacho Kids book  Common reasons why bio parents get defensive when their kids are discussed  The impact of wording: how statements come across as judgment versus teamwork Parent guilt and internalization of children's struggles or failures  The dynamic between stepparents and bio parents in discipline and expectations  Challenges for childless or childfree stepparents in understanding the realities of parenting  Every child is different: what works for one may not work for another  Approaching parenting conversations as a team and offering support, not judgment  Emotional challenges for parents watching their kids struggle, and the desire to protect them  The power of empathy and why some people intervene for others more than themselves  Guidance for stepparents and partners: be kind, honest, and remember kids grow up and relationships can improve

  2. Aug 14

    376: Birthdays, Blended Style

    On this podcast, we discuss the challenges and humorous realities of planning family events in a blended and extended family setting. A key theme that emerged was the complexity of scheduling birthdays and gatherings to accommodate multiple family members, including ex-spouses, in-laws, and stepchildren, highlighting the potential for awkwardness, misunderstandings, and unintentional hurt feelings    Key Topics Covered Navigating the challenges of planning birthdays and family gatherings in blended families  Balancing the desires of biological and step-relatives, including in-laws and ex-spouses  Strategies for minimizing stress and resentment  Handling children's divided time and loyalties between multiple households  Scheduling conflicts and communication mishaps related to family events  The awkwardness of public events, such as school functions, for blended families and how to address introductions  Juggling roles and boundaries between biological parents, stepparents, and children  Importance of humor, flexibility, and clear communication in blended family life Promoting the upcoming Nacho Kids book release as a resource for stepfamilies

  3. Aug 7

    375: Family Law Strategies With Jasmine Hernandez Esq

    In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, family law attorney Jasmine Hernandez shares her extensive experience from over a decade practicing in New York, specializing in representing children in family court. Jasmine clarifies the complex legal rights of stepparents, explains why detailed and organized custody agreements are essential, especially in high-conflict cases, and discusses the importance of keeping children's best interests front and center. She addresses common questions about stepparent involvement, including visitation, signing school and medical forms, and the challenges around parental badmouthing. Jasmine emphasizes flexibility, communication, and documentation, offers her perspective on college expenses and parenting apps, and highlights how social media and recordings can impact custody cases. Throughout, she encourages both compassion and organization, reminding listeners that it's all about the kids. Key Topics Covered Stepparent legal rights, visitation, and involvement  The importance of detailed and specific custody agreements Common mistakes parents make in custody and parenting plans Challenges and strategies in high-conflict custody situations Guidelines for stepparents on school and medical paperwork Procedures for handling custody violations and court enforcement Impact of parental badmouthing and communication with children Recording conversations or exchanges and use of evidence in court College and extracurricular expenses in custody/support agreements Best practices for co-parenting communication (including parenting apps) The risks of social media use during custody cases Tips for maintaining focus on the children's well-being throughout the process

  4. Aug 1

    374: Back To School In The Blend

    In this episode, the Nacho Kids team discusses the upcoming release of the Nacho Kids book, available for Kindle pre-order and set to launch on September 16th - Stepfamily Day. The hosts highlight a moving story from their Nacho group about a stepparent who transformed her relationship with her stepkids using the Nacho Method, underscoring the importance of putting knowledge into action. The conversation shifts to back-to-school season, addressing evolving school calendars, the challenges of co-parenting school responsibilities, financial dilemmas around school supplies, and differences in approach between households. The hosts touch on using educational technology and AI to help students, the wisdom of managing stepkid struggles with schoolwork, and boundaries for stepparents. They candidly discuss when to let kids take responsibility for their school success, the consequences of over-involvement, and the extra challenges of co-parenting on alternating schedules. The episode closes with a serious reminder about online safety in light of the anniversary of Gavin Guffey's death, encouraging parents and stepparents to maintain open, judgment-free communication and serve as a safe haven for all kids. New Nacho Kids book launch details and preorders Success story from the Nacho Kids group Putting the Nacho Method into action Changes in school calendars and year-round schedules Navigating school supply expenses and co-parenting challenges The role of educational technology and AI in supporting student learning Boundaries for stepparents in helping with schoolwork Age-appropriate responsibility: letting kids experience natural consequences Parenting differences and the cycle of alternating households on school performance Online safety, social media risks, and the importance of open conversations How stepparents can be a safe, judgment-free space for stepkids

  5. Jul 24

    373: Don't Give Up!

    In this episode, Lori and David share an inspiring success story from their Facebook group, highlighting how the Nacho Kids method helped transform a strained stepmom-stepdaughter relationship into a loving bond resulting in being asked to stand as "mother of the bride" at the stepdaughter's wedding. They discuss the importance of letting relationships develop naturally, utilizing strategies like the "gray rock" method to avoid negative engagement, and stress the value of finding a therapist who understands stepfamily dynamics. Lori and David also address common misconceptions about stepparent roles, set boundaries, and the need for patience when building blended family relationships. The episode features relatable and humorous moments between the hosts, including communication mix-ups and quirky family anecdotes. Listeners are encouraged to continue learning through the Nacho Kids Academy, check out the upcoming Nacho Kids book (now available for Kindle pre-order), and seek coaching if needed. Tune in for practical advice, personal stories, and a reminder that successful blended family relationships take time, effort, and the right support. Topics Discussed Nacho Kids book available for Kindle pre-order Inspiring Facebook group story: from conflict with stepchildren to being asked to be "mother of the bride" The importance of patience and playing the long game in blended family relationships How the "gray rock" method is part of Nacho Parenting Letting the child lead the relationship and setting appropriate boundaries as a stepparent The necessity of finding therapists who understand the Nacho Kids method and stepfamily dynamics Recognizing that relationships need ongoing nurturing, even after achieving major milestones

  6. Jul 17

    372: Building Trust & Security in Blended Families | Dr. Marcus

    In this episode, we discuss the complexities of blended families, emphasizing the unique challenges stepfamilies face compared to nuclear families. One concept discussed was the pressure for stepfamilies to function like traditional nuclear families, and how letting go of that expectation can relieve stress and improve dynamics. A key theme that emerged was the importance of the "soothing presence", an adult who is emotionally supportive, predictable, and present for children, which fosters trust and security. The discussion explored how children in high-conflict or blended families often take on roles to try to keep the peace or please their parents, sometimes at the expense of their own development. Several points were raised, including the detrimental effects of parent alienation, the psychological impact of inconsistency and divided loyalty, and how step-parents can best support children without overstepping boundaries. Practical strategies were shared for building relationships, encouraging self-esteem, and communicating effectively with both children and biological parents. The conversation also included personal stories, analogies, and an exploration of how life experiences, even with family pets, mirror blended family dynamics. The episode underscored that every family is different, and the most successful step-parenting comes from adaptability, humility, and providing a safe, nonjudgmental space for children to grow and heal. Key Topics Discussed The unrealistic social and personal expectations for stepfamilies to function like nuclear families The concept of "soothing presence" as the basis for trust, security, and emotional development in children Challenges of divided loyalty and parent alienation in blended family situations The negative long-term impact on kids taking on adult responsibilities within the family dynamic Differences between parenting, adulting, and befriending as a step-parent Importance of emotional predictability and consistency for children's well-being Strategies for step-parents to support children without overstepping or causing tension with biological parents Encouraging self-esteem and emotional language in children using relatable terms (e.g., "volcano mad") The value of building a unique, trusting relationship with each child based on their individual personalities Parallels between stepfamily adjustment and integrating new pets into a household Individualized approaches over generic parenting techniques The lifelong process of gaining wisdom and fostering resilience in children through supportive adult relationships

  7. Jul 10

    371: Double Standards In The Blend

    Lori and David dive into the unique challenges stepparents face in expressing honest feelings, especially compared to what's acceptable for biological parents. They share how phrases like "I need a break from my stepkids" or "sometimes I don't even like my stepkid" can spark criticism, even though similar comments about one's own kids are met with empathy. The conversation highlights double standards, societal expectations, stepfamily resentment, and the reality of blended-family emotions. Lori and David also discuss favoritism among grandkids, the importance of kindness, and how small acts can make a big difference when someone's struggling. In this episode: Update on the upcoming release of the Nacho Kids Book and Companion Workbook Things You Can Say About Your Own Kids But Not Step Kids The Impact of Honesty in Step-Parenting Communities Specific Examples of Double Standards in Parenting Language Perception and Reality of Step-Parenting Criticism Favoritism Among Grandkids and Step-Grandkids Complex Feelings Are Normal in Stepfamilies The Importance of Kindness and Empathy Everyday Acts of Kindness Tune in for honest stories, laughter, and reminders that you're not alone if being a stepparent sometimes feels overwhelming, and that kindness (to yourself and others) is always needed.

  8. Jul 7

    370: Leaving the Stepkids Out

    In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David discuss a dilemma from their Facebook group about whether to include a troubled stepchild in a previously planned family cruise. The conversation explores the emotional, financial, and relational complexities of stepfamily vacations. Topics covered include the consequences of excluding the stepchild, potential resentment, whether vacations should be used as rewards or punishments, and the importance of making decisions as a united couple. The hosts suggest possible solutions such as inviting a grandmother to help manage the situation, scaling back vacation plans, or openly discussing what the stepchild actually wants. The episode emphasizes communication, empathy, and long-term considerations in blended family dynamics. Topics Discussed: The dilemma of including or excluding a troubled stepchild from a family vacation Financial implications of adding an additional family member to a planned cruise The impact of excluding a stepchild on family relationships and potential resentment between spouses Bringing a grandparent to balance costs and provide supervision/support Whether family vacations should be used as rewards or punishments for behavior Considering what the stepchild actually wants regarding the vacation Alternatives to the original vacation plan, such as scaling back or taking separate family trips The importance of communicating and making decisions together as a couple Personal stories about managing vacation dynamics with kids and stepkids

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4.8
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About

Stepfamilies and blended families are very challenging. With a failure rate of over 70%, it's clear that blended families need help. Nacho Kids founders and blended family coaches, Lori and David Sims, are here to help blended families save their sanity and relationships. You'll hear the hosts and guests discuss the struggles and successes of blended family life and learn how the Nacho Kids Method is changing lives and saving relationships around the world.

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