The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver

Lori Sims & David Sims
  • 4.8 (267)
  • 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. 3d ago

    367: Nacho Parenting Isn't That!

    This episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast dives into the realities of publishing the upcoming Nacho Kids book and unpacks common misconceptions about the Nacho Parenting method. The conversation focuses on the emotional journey behind writing and editing, clarifies what "nacho" means in step-parenting, and discusses the nuanced paths toward building healthier relationships within blended families. Listeners will hear honest reflections on perfectionism, practical advice on stepfamily dynamics, and encouragement for step-parents navigating their own journeys. Key topics discussed: The challenges and emotional process of writing, editing, and publishing the Nacho Kids book   Perfectionism vs. sharing helpful information: letting go of the need for perfection   The meaning of "nacho": clarifying that it's about boundaries and responsibility, not ignoring stepkids' issues   The difference between "disengaging" and "not engaging" as step-parents, and why these can be temporary, needed steps   Why step-parent/stepchild relationships can be complicated and change over time   The variety of step-parent roles, from supportive adult to parental figure, and the importance of adapting to each unique family situation   The importance of compassion, communication, and not forcing relationships or choices between step-kids and partners   Encouragement for self-development, understanding, and treating everyone in the blend with kindness and respect

    29 min

  2. Jun 5

    366: Loss, Reconciliation, and Growth in the blend

    In this heartfelt episode, Lori talks with California Stepmom, who shares her decade-long journey as a stepmom in a blend with no biological or "ours" kids of her own, but with plenty of lessons learned and emotional ups and downs. California Stepmom discusses her initial excitement entering stepfamily life, the unexpected challenges she faced, particularly from toxic ex-spouse dynamics and loyalty binds, and the heartbreak of estrangement when her stepdaughter chose to leave their home at 17. She details the difficult court battles, emotional toll, and the invaluable role that the Nacho Kids Podcast, Academy, and one-on-one coaching with Lori played in helping her set boundaries, heal, and strengthen her marriage. The episode offers practical tools and hope for anyone navigating the complexities of stepfamily life, emphasizing the importance of self-care, patience, and the "long game" mindset. In this episode: Entering a blended family: initial hopes and realities of becoming a stepmom Navigating relationships with stepchildren and building trust The complexities of being a childless stepmom and feelings of being an outsider Managing the dynamic with the ex-wife, including toxic behaviors and parental alienation Loyalty binds and the influence of parents' actions on stepchildren Challenges of co-parenting, custody arrangements, and transition difficulties for kids Guilty parent syndrome and its impact on discipline and household dynamics Practical struggles: household boundaries, such as food and cleanliness issues Dealing with teen estrangement and the emotional aftermath The legal challenges of child support, child custody, and importance of court documentation Experiences with ineffective family therapy and the necessity of vetting professionals Emotional coping strategies: seeking community, therapy, and supportive resources Tools and language learned through the Nacho Kids Podcast and Academy Repairing and redefining the relationship with estranged stepchildren Ongoing growth, hope for the future, and building resilience as a stepfamily

    1h 15m

  3. May 29

    365: The Second Time Around

    In this heartfelt episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, David Sims and Lori Sims are joined by Erin and Jason Mencer to share their remarkable journey as a blended family. Married, divorced, and then remarried, Erin and Jason open up about the realities of stepfamily life, including challenges, personal growth, and what it truly takes to make a blended family work. Hear how expectations, family dynamics, and personal struggles led to their separation, and how faith, self-reflection, and the Nacho Kids method helped them rebuild, heal, and ultimately reunite. Their story is a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of second chances, offering inspiration and practical advice to anyone navigating the complexities of stepfamily life. Topics Discussed Jumping headfirst into the stepmom role and unrealistic nuclear family expectations Early struggles and searching for support/resources in blended families The impact of personal backgrounds and opposite personalities on the relationship The importance of personal growth and learning to "pick your battles" Applying (and sometimes struggling to apply) the Nacho Kids method Navigating discipline, boundaries, and the "step-back" approach The challenges of blending families with multiple children of varying ages Financial stress, family interference, and the weight of outside opinion Effects of living with extended family and oversharing with friends The process and emotional impact of separation and divorce Personal growth journeys, faith, and rediscovering oneself during time apart Rebuilding trust and repairing relationships after divorce Parenting agreements, custody changes, and relocation challenges Improving step-parent and stepchild relationships over time The renewed commitment after remarriage - setting God and teamwork at the center Advice for others: having patience, letting go of control, and embracing change The lasting importance of hope, forgiveness, and fighting for your marriage Listen and be inspired by a true story of growth, redemption, and what it means to Nacho!

    1h 21m

  4. May 22

    364: Surviving Estrangement: What Parents and Stepparents Need to Know

    In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori talks with Katt Johnston, a mental health professional, educator, and content creator focused on family estrangement, emotional systems, and the impact of mental health culture on relationships. Kat shares her journey of becoming a leading voice in estrangement after a viral TikTok video, and dives deep into how therapy and societal trends can sometimes harm family relationships by over-validating discomfort rather than building resilience. Topics discussed: Nuances between genuine and manufactured discomfort leading to estrangement The devastating effects of parental alienation in stepfamilies The roles validation and social media play in conflict Advice for estranged parents and stepparents on how to cope, maintain boundaries, and support each other. The importance of pre-planning for blended family events Handling unequal treatment The need for better mental health ethics and court education on alienation. Listeners will gain insights on the importance of self-care for estranged parents, strategies to avoid further damage to family relationships, and how society and therapy culture may need to shift towards more balanced support and accountability. The episode concludes with information on Katt's coalition for ethical mental health standards and a reminder that stepfamily life, while challenging, can still be good when you nacho.

    51 min

  5. May 15

    363: How Did We Get Here?

    ** Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of addiction, overdosing, and alleged inappropriate touching between a stepparent and stepchild ** In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with longtime friend Tabatha Hartman to discuss her challenging journey through grief, blending families, addiction, and parental alienation. Tabatha shares how her life changed after the loss of her ex-husband, the struggles her daughter endured, and the tough choices she faced as a mother and stepmom. The conversation delves into issues such as therapy for grieving children, navigating false allegations, maintaining boundaries, and building resilience amid chaos. Tabatha Hartman also talks about her memoir, "How Did We Get Here?", written to help others facing similar struggles. The episode offers raw, honest insight into coping with loss, healing family relationships, and the ongoing impact of addiction. In this episode, we discuss: Coping with the death of a co-parent and its effects on blended families Parenting through grief and supporting children after loss Legal battles and parental alienation within stepfamilies The impact of addiction and relapse on families Setting boundaries and making difficult decisions as a parent The journey of repairing and rebuilding fractured parent-child relationships The reality of false allegations and how to navigate them Writing as a tool for processing grief and trauma The ongoing effects of addiction and generational cycles How open communication and resilience can help families move forward

    1h 7m

  6. May 8

    362: Comparison Will Make You Miserable

    Comparisons are the Thief of Joy—But What About in Blended Families? In episode NKP362 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David dive deep into the pitfalls of comparison, especially when it comes to blended families, kids, and relationships. Listeners will hear personal stories from Lori about her son Jackson's academic achievements and the emotions that arise when comparing him to David's children. Together, Lori and David candidly discuss how easy it is to compare kids, relationships, and even possessions, leading to unnecessary feelings of inadequacy and frustration. They reveal their distinct perspectives on academic success, parenting expectations, and why it's crucial to focus on each person's unique strengths instead of measuring up to others. In this episode: Why comparison in blended families can be harmful How Lori and David navigate differences in their children's achievements The importance of recognizing individual strengths and backgrounds Why it's better to compare yourself only to the person you were yesterday If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at contactsus@nachokids.com. If you are struggling in your blend, or just want to better your blended relationships (including your relationship with your partner), join the Nacho Kids Academy at nachokidsacademy.com today! We offer one-on-one coaching and couples coaching. If you are interested, email us at contactus@nachokids.com to check our availability.

    24 min

  7. May 1

    361: Keep The Target Off Your Back

    In this episode, Lori and David dig into real-life stepfamily scenarios from handling dinnertime food drama with stepkids, to discovering vapes hidden in a teenager's room. They discuss the importance of keeping the "target off your back" as a stepparent, sharing strategies for maintaining household harmony and reducing stress, like letting dad handle his child's plate or calmly informing the bio parent about the contraband instead of taking action yourself. The hosts get candid about how small moments can trigger deeper frustrations and how most conflicts fade with time. In this episode: Tips for reducing daily stress as a stepmom or stepdad Why "nachoing" can lead to better stepfamily relationships Creative ways to share responsibility with your partner Pros and cons of handling stepkid secrets and discipline The long-term perspective: laughing about today's drama years down the road Heartwarming and hilarious stories from the hosts' own experiences, including the joys of being a supportive step-parent and the misadventures of parenting

    31 min

  8. Apr 24

    360: Stepmom Becomes Only Legal Parent to Stepdaughter

    In this heartfelt episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Valerie Mills shares her remarkable story of becoming a stepmom who ultimately adopted her stepdaughter, overcoming immense obstacles and heartbreak along the way. Listeners will journey with Valerie Mills as she details the emotional and legal complexities of her family's story, from rescuing her stepdaughter from a difficult home environment at age 7, to navigating the revolving door of foster care, facing her own battle with cancer, and overcoming domestic abuse. Hear how Valerie Mills fought for custody, the surprising ease of the adoption process as a single parent, and the pivotal moments where unconditional love triumphed over adversity. This episode covers: The unique challenges of blended families and step-parent adoption Navigating the foster care system and the importance of stability for traumatized children Open, candid discussions about mental health, resilience, and healing after trauma The power of chosen family and how more love supports a child's growth You'll also hear touching anecdotes about mother-daughter dynamics, ongoing struggles with biological parents, the importance of extended support systems, and practical tips for anyone considering adoption or dealing with family court. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this inspiring story with someone who needs to know they're not alone on this journey!

    41 min
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4.8
out of 5
267 Ratings

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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