Welcome to NK Podcast 277, where we dive deep into the complexities of blended families, co-parenting, and everything in between. In today's episode,  Lori has the pleasure of speaking with esteemed guest Bradley S Craig, a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Family Life Educator, known for his insightful book Between 2 Homes. Today’s conversation ranges from the nuanced roles of stepparents to the intricacies of custody modifications, all the way through effective co-parenting techniques and the societal impact of blended family dynamics. This interview was so full of information we had to split it up into two parts! 

We explore the often misunderstood influence of stepmoms, the implications of custody change requests post-remarriage, and the significance of terminology with terms like "bonus mom" and "nesting." Bradley shares his wisdom on maintaining consistent family dynamics, avoiding common pitfalls in high-conflict co-parenting situations, and adopting a professional mindset for better child welfare.

We'll also discuss practical tools like the "Our Family Wizard" app, the pressures societal norms place on stepfamilies, and Bradley’s recommendations for effective co-parent communication.

This is not just a theoretical discussion; Bradley also brings in his personal experiences and professional insights, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of blended families.

Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation that offers valuable strategies, empathy, and a fresh perspective on stepfamily complexities. 

Let's dive in!

 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Stepmom Influence

• Trust and Boundaries

• Court System and Legal Procedures

• Parenting Facilitators

• Business Mindset in Co-parenting

• Terms and Perceptions

 

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“I have never seen anyone care so much about helping others. Lori goes above and beyond for her clients. You can tell she and David both do this to truly help others. They are a blessing to the world of stepparents!” ~ K.H.

Welcome to Episode 276 of the Nacho Kids Podcast! In this episode, hosts David and Lori discuss some of the complexities of stepfamily dynamics with special guests Will and his stepmom Jo. Jo, who has no biological children and has been in a relationship with Will’s father for four years. They explore Will’s transition from living with his mother to moving full-time with his father and Jo, discussing how responsibilities and structure have positively impacted his life. Will opens up about the emotional challenges he faced, including dealing with depression and adjusting to new household routines.

We’ll also delve into Jo’s role in Will’s life, how cool of a stepmum she is, and the importance of building trust and friendship between stepparents and stepchildren. Jo and Will share a story of being blessed to have each other in their lives.   

This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, practical advice, and relatable experiences that provide valuable insights into stepfamily relationships. Whether you're part of a stepfamily or just interested in family dynamics, you’ll find something meaningful in today’s conversation. So sit back, relax, and join us for a candid discussion on navigating life in a blended family!

 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Adjusting to New Living Arrangements

• Building Trust and Friendship

• Influence of a Stepparent:

• Stepfamily Challenges and Integration

• Celebrating Milestones

 

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“As a family court attorney, I have had several of my client’s partners, who are stepparents, of course, mention Nacho Parenting over the past several months. Being curious about this method, I decided to look into it. I read the blogs but wanted to know more about these people and what they were teaching people. After reviewing the content, I’m convinced the family court system should mandate a class on the Nacho method!” ~ W.O.

 

Welcome back to the Nacho Kids Podcast, Episode 267. Today, Lori, David, and our iconic Nacho Intro Lady dive into the challenges of stepfamilies, starting with the important question: "When will my partner love my kid like their own?" Tune in as we explore the common struggles faced by blended families, share real feedback from our latest Nacho Kids Boot Camp Challenge, and address listener questions about step-parenting dynamics, from the usefulness of "nachoing" from day one to managing deep-seated resentments towards stepchildren. Whether you are new to stepfamily life or looking to improve your current situation, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Stick around for some heartfelt tips on navigating your blended family journey with patience, understanding, and a sprinkle of humor. Remember, life is good when you Nacho!

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Relationship between stepparent and stepkid

• What if the bio parent doesn’t step up

• What if you hate your stepkid and have zero desire to fix it

• Should you Nacho from the beginning or wait until things cause stress

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“I hated my life. I had no desire to continue my blended relationship. Then, my partner found Nacho Kids while listening to podcast and decided we should join the Academy together. Three months later, our lives are so much better! It was the best decision we ever made. We are creating a happy healthy blended family now thanks to Nacho!” ~ E.R.

 

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David, founders of Nacho Kids, interview Josh & Kristy Groce of the Perfectly Blended Podcast. They have been blending for over 10 years and have two bio kids each. 

*** Disclaimer: Mention of abuse and alcoholism. ***

In this episode, we discuss:

• Doing everything wrong
• When stepkid is mean to bio kid
• Overcoming blended challenges
• Being perfectly blended ~ or not

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Hays. Hays grew up in a blended family and has been blending with her husband for 2-½ years, has two stepkids and one bio kid. Her husband was recently awarded custody of his daughter due to bio mom neglecting the child’s medical condition.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up in a blended family vs becoming a stepmom
• When bio parent neglects child’s medical needs
• Family court - guardian ad litem
• Dealing with an insane bio mom

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews Ashley Gerhard of Phoenix Transformation ~ Phoenix Parent Coaching. Ashley has been blending for three years and has three stepkids and four bio kids. Ashley comes from a blended family herself. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up in a blended family vs becoming a stepmom
• Shifting your perspective with Nachoing
• Boundaries
• Being a sensitive stepmom

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews Shawn Simon, author of “Stepping Into A New Role: Stories from Stepmoms.” Shawn has been blending for 17 years, has two stepkids, and has no bio kids, but has dogs.. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being a childless stepmom
• Dealing with a high conflict ex
• When stepkid is mean to your animals
• You knew what you were getting into

 

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a stepmom that fights being the parent that cares the most. She’s been blending for six years and has three stepkids and three ours kids!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being a child of divorce and a stepmom
• Fighting being the parent that cares the most
• Court Trauma
• How Nachoing has helped
• Co-parenting with bio mom

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David, founders of Nacho Kids, interview an adult stepkid. She shares with us what it was like growing up as a stepkid!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being the eldest sibling
• Mini-parent
• Moving into stepdad’s home
• Dinnertime 
• Bonds with stepsiblings

** Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of addiction and alcoholism. ** 

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a stepmom who has been blending for 1-½ years and Nachoing for about 5 months. She has three stepkids and two bio kids. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Kids wanting a family
• Coming into the stepkids' lives at older ages
• It’s ok that you are not a nuclear family
• Stop comparing!
• Loving them like your own without parenting like your own

** Disclaimer: This episode may contain adult language- we tried to remove all of them, but in case we missed one. ** 

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a stepmom from Colorado. She has been blending for six years and has one stepson and one “ours” kid. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Fighting for custody and then giving it up
• Dealing with a high conflict bio mom
• Husband and his stepkids from his previous blend
• Not caring more than the bio parents

*** Disclaimer: Mention of sexual abuse, violence, miscarriage, and witchcraft ***

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a husband’s wife. She has been blending for ten years, her husband has two kids, and they have six kids together.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Stepping out of the stepmom role
• Changes in visitation
• Being threatened by the stepkid
• Being accused of abuse by stepkid

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a childfree stepmom from Arizona. She has been blending for seven years and has three stepkids. She has an extraordinary relationship with one of her stepdaughters. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Feeling like you don’t belong
• Feeling a lack of control in your own home
• Having a mother/daughter relationship with stepkid
• Being a collection of everyone’s demands
• Focusing on your marriage

In this episode, Lori and David answer questions submitted by followers. These questions are based solely on the question without having any details of the person’s dynamics. 

In this episode, we discuss the following:

How do you get a Disneyland parent to stop guilt parenting?

• How to get your grown up stepkid to allow you to see the grandchildren more?

• How do you nacho stuff that directly affects you?!

• Does it get better after they all turn 18?

• Is blending always this hard?

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“I just finished the Nacho Kids Guided Bootcamp. I am shocked at how much I learned in just a few minutes a day! This was a treasure of information that has already started to improve our blend! God Bless you, Lori and David, for everything you do to help stepfamilies. You are your method are amazing!” ~ P.C. - stepdad from Florida

 

**DISCLAIMER- Mention of suicide ***

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a bio dad who hasn’t seen his kids in four years. After years of parental alienation, he worked hard to rebuild the relationships with his kids, and things were going well. Three to four months after a great time with them on a week-long vacation, things changed. He received a long text message that they didn’t want to be a part of his life anymore. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Family court system - ugly divorce
• Parental alienation
• Child support
• Rebuilding relationships with bio kids
• Losing contact with the kids again

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David, founders of Nacho Kids, interview stepcouple Chelsie and Greg in Canada. Chelsie & Greg have been blending for three years, Greg has one bio child and Chelsie has two bio children. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being a teacher and a stepmom
• Wanting to blend quickly
• Parenting differences
• When blending changes the “birth order”
• Agreements between partners

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews Todd Jensen ~ a Research Assistant Professor that has researched stepfamilies and the well-being of children. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Antiquated views of gender roles
• Reasons for stepfamilies have changed
• Different roles of a stepparent
• Nacho Kids philosophy misunderstood

*** DISCLAIMER *** This episode contains mention of suicide.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Jaime from Queensland. Jaime has been blending for three years and has two stepkids and no bio kids. Unfortunately, she was painted to be the evil stepmother by the family court reporter.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Stepkids with Autism and ADHD
• Parental alienation
• Bio mom removing the kids from school
• Family court reporter issues
• PTSD from the family court experience

 

*** DISCLAIMER *** This episode contains mention of suicide.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids interviews stepmom Jaime. Jaime has been blending for 7 years and has two stepkids, four bio kids, and one ours kid. She is the home's breadwinner, which is a challenge because of the blend.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dealing with the stepkids’ behavior
• Being traumatized by the blend
• Different parenting styles
• Finances in the blend
• When the stepkids move into the stepmom’s house

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids interviews a stepmom from Colorado. This stepmom has been blending for four years and has four stepkids, three bio kids, and two ours kids. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dealing with the exes
• Stepmom and chore charts for the kids, including stepkids
• Being a stay-at-home mom/stepmom and having stepkids every other week
• Butting heads with your stepkid
• When hygiene lacks at bio mom’s house

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids interviews stepmom Mel. Mel has been blending for almost 8 years, has four stepkids and one bio kid. Mel’s daughter is with them full-time and they have the stepkids all the time except every other weekend. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being the only stepmom in your circle
• Being a full-time stepmom
• When your partner is the father figure for your bio daughter
• Stepkids becoming distant
• When your partner is harsh with your child

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David, founders of Nacho Kids interview stepmom Carolyn. Carolyn, a school teacher, has been blending for three years and has three bio kids and three stepkids. She is a full-time stepmom as bio mom is deceased. The hardest part of blending for her has been learning to deal with emotional triggers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• When bio mom is deceased
• When a bio parent moves far away
• Wanting to be a good “mom” to the stepkids that lost their bio mom
• When the stepkids expect you to leave
• Being a school teacher and thinking it would help with the stepparent role

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids interviews stepmom Lauren. Lauren has been blending for 5 years, has one stepson, and no bio or “ours” children. Her husband recently finished a court case with bio mom and he had a crappy attorney!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Getting past the emotions of raising a child that isn’t yours
• Resistance to the blend
• Things have gotten better over time
• When bio mom acts like you don’t exist
• Visitation schedule changes

*** DISCLAIMER: Mention of suicide in this podcast. ***

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David Sims, founders of Nacho Kids, interview stepmom Danielle. She has been blending for four years, has two stepkids and one bio kid.  A few years ago the oldest stepkid moved in with bio mom and recently the younger stepkid stopped coming for visits. Unfortunately, Danielle’s husband blames her for this.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Blending household expectations
• Different rules different homes
• Being blamed for the stepkids going to live with the other bio parent
• Both bio parents Nachoing each other’s kids
• Rebuilding relationships

In this episode, we discuss:

• Blending household expectations
• Different rules different homes
• Being blamed for the stepkids going to live with the other bio parent
• Both bio parents Nachoing each other’s kids
• Rebuilding relationships

In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talks to Stepdad Sean. Sean has been blending for over two years. His biological kids are no longer at home, and he has three stepsons who all live in the house. Sean has raised his kids and doesn’t feel he should have to help raise the stepkids. The stepkids have poor manners and are a bit spoiled. He fights for that parental role because he doesn’t understand being a husband without being a parent. 

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Preparing didn't help

• Adult bio kids and teenage stepkids

• Not wanting to raise someone else’s kids

• Fighting for control

• Hugely different parenting styles

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“This Nacho stuff is completely opposite of what everyone told us to do. We were struggling and decided what the heck. We did still love each other and made the decision to give this Nacho thing a try. Three months later, we are ALL happier and in a much better place. Life really is good when you Nacho!” ~ J.B.S.

 

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews bio mom Lala, who is also a stepmom.  Lala’s bio kids' stepmom Nacho’d them and that was the best thing she ever did for any of them.

In this episode, we discuss:

• When the stepparent Nachos your bio kids
• Dealing with exes
• Wishing family could feel more cohesive
• Being viewed as a high-conflict bio mom
• Having different stepparent roles than your spouse

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Rebecca. Rebecca has been blending for 4 years, is childfree, and has two stepkids. Over the years, her role in the blend has changed.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Knowing the stepkids aren’t going away
• Needing to change your role in the blend
• Not wanting to be around your stepkids
• When your partner wishes you’d be more present
• Feeling like a stranger in your own home

*** DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussions of miscarriages and has adult content. ***

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Jen. Stepmom Jen has been blending for 5 years and has one stepson who is 10-years-old. She is currently expecting an “ours” child.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dealing with a high-conflict bio mom
• Parenting the stepkid and not needing to Nacho
• Partner wants nothing to do with their ex
• Loving your stepkid but realizing that love will be different for the “ours” kid
• When bio parent doesn’t follow through with discipline stepmom set

*** DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussions of drug abuse. ***

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Jodi. Stepmom Jodi has been blending for 21 years, but the last three to four years have been the hardest. She has a 31-year-old stepdaughter, a 15-year-old “ours” son, and an 11-year-old “ours” daughter. Luckily Jodi and the bio mom have always gotten along. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• When things get bad many years into the blend
• When stepkid creates an unsafe environment for the “ours” kids
• Dealing with a high-conflict stepparent in the other home
• Significant other never expecting the stepparent to be a parent
• Being a stepkid and then becoming a stepparent

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a stepmom from California. This stepmom has been blending for 2-½ years and has two stepkids and one bio kid. She, like many stepmoms, felt alone in her stepmom journey because none of her friends could relate to being a stepmom.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Blending too fast
• Feeling pressured to be super stepmom
• Feeling alone in the stepmom journey
• Changes in relationships after move in together
• Going from parenting the stepkids to Nacho

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews Rose. Rose is a full-time stepmom and full-time bio mom. She has been blending for 4 years and has two stepkids, two bio kids, and one “ours” kid. Rose has had to deal with the stepkids lying and making false accusations, being violent, and trying to split up her and her husband. In this episode, we discuss:

• Being a full-time stepmom and full-time bio mom
• Not letting disagreements about the stepkids affect your relationship with your partner
• When a stepkid is violent with your bio or “ours” kid
• Counseling seemed to make things worse with the stepdaughter
• Everyone struggling to be a family unit

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews Summer Butler with the Blended Book Co., author of “BLENDED: Aligning the Hierarchy of Heart + Home”. Summer and her husband have been blending for 11 years. She has two teenage stepsons and one “ours” son. The hardest part of blending for them was their marriage, not the stepkids. The personal baggage that was brought into their marriage caused them to struggle.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Baggage brought into the relationship
• Growing up in a split family
• Having the stepkids full-time except every other weekend
• Losing yourself in the blend
• Different expectations for the stepkids vs. bio kid

Check out Summer’s website: summerbutler.com

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-30, 2022 with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Britt. Britt has been blending for over 4 years, has four stepkids, one bio son, and a daughter on the way. The hardest part of blending for her has been dealing with her significant other having Guilty Parent Syndrome and issues with the bio mom. Her best advice is to Nacho. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Guilty Parent Syndrome
• Bio mom and her family causing issues in the blend
• Stepkids choosing to not visit
• Relationships with the stepkids changing
• Stepkids blaming the stepmom for wrecking their nuclear home

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-30, 2022 with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

*** DISCLAIMER: Episode discusses suicide ***

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Heather. Heather and her husband have been blending for 7 years.  She has two stepsons, one of which unfortunately took his own life last year. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Age gaps in the blend
• Being from a blend versus being in one
• Guilty Parent Syndrome
• Different relationships between stepmom and stepkids
• Losing a stepkid to suicide

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-30, 2022 with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Laura. Laura has been blending for 2 years, has one bio daughter and one stepson. Her husband has his bio kid full-time and Laura has her bio kid forty percent of the time. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Custody changes
• When you have your bio kid less than your significant other has theirs
• When you and your partner both Nacho each other’s kids
• Being a stepkid yourself and then becoming a stepmom
• Good intentions aren’t always viewed as such

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-30, 2022 with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, speaks with Krista St-Germain about navigating grief as a stepparent. As a widow, stepkid, and stepparent, Krista shares her journey and wisdom. Her stepdad stayed in his lane and her stepmom was a little more authoritative. 

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Supporting a partner when you have different parenting views

• Secondary losses

• Five stages of grief 

• Time in relation to grief

• Respecting previous relationships

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“I can’t believe how much better our lives are because of Nacho Parenting!” ~ E.V.

 

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a childless stepmom who was a stepchild herself. She has been blending for two years and has two teenage stepkids.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Bonding more with one stepkid than another
• Being “Mom” to the stepkid
• When bio mom is an elusive magical creature who visits occasionally
• Becoming a stepmom after being a stepkid

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-30, 2022 with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a stepmom in Pennsylvania. This stepmom has been blending for 4.5 years, has a teenage stepkid who moved in full-time last summer, and a bio daughter who she has 85% of the time. In this episode, we discuss:

• Visitation changes
• Non-enforcement of household expectations
• ADHD Kids
• Teenage stepkid
• Not liking your stepkids

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-30, 2022 with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Janajah. Janajah has been blending for five years and has one stepson and no bio kids. The first year of the blend her significant other had shared custody, but bio mom wouldn’t let bio dad see the child. For the past four years, stepson has been staying with stepmom and bio dad.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Visitation changes
• Learning where your place is in the blend
• Not taking things personally
• Teachers being put in the middle
• Not having alone time with your significant other

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-30, 2022 with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Priscilla. Priscilla has been blending for six years, has two teenage stepkids, and five bio kids. She was also a stepdaughter herself.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Stepkid lying about bio kid
• Being forced to call stepdad “dad”
• Guilty Parent Syndrome
• Stepkid doesn’t like stepmom
• Bio mom wanting family “back”

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-30, 2022 with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a stepmom in Tennessee. She became a stepmom at 16-years-old! She has been blending for three years, has a 10-year-old stepson, a two-year-old “ours” son, and a daughter on the way.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Becoming a stepmom at 16
• Dealing with different parenting styles
• Relationship with bio mom changes
• When mother-in-law is like mom to stepkid

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-30, 2022 with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David, co-founders of Nacho Kids, interview Martin & Maria Erlandsson of the Swedish Podcast Bonus Pappa Plus Mama! They have been blending for six years. Maria has four bio kids and Martin has no bio kids. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being a stepparent with no kids of your own
• Wanting the stepparent to be a parent
• Relationships with the exes
• Not using the word “step” in your blend

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29-30, 2022 with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David, co-founders of Nacho Kids, interview stepmom Linda. Linda has been blending for three years, has three stepkids and two bio kids. Unfortunately, Linda is experiencing parental alienation as a bio mom and a stepmom.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Rejection from the stepkids
• Harassment for stepkids and bio moms
• Complete alienation from bio kids
• Significant other in denial

 

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a bio dad whose wife is an admitted control freak. They have been blending for two years and he has two bio daughters with a very high conflict bio mom. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dealing with a high conflict ex
• Guilty parent syndrome
• What Nachoing did to their family
• Compound conflictions
• Parental alienation

For more information about the event in Fort Worth, Texas with Laura Petherbridge, go to NachoKids.com/fortworth2022.

** Disclaimer - mention of molestation and adult language **

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews Lisa Goodpaster of The Stephood Project. Lisa is a stepmom but is currently going through a divorce. Lisa was a victim of parental alienation as a child and shares her story. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being a child of parental alienation
• Going through a divorce
• Spending more time with stepmom than bio parent
• Reconnecting with the alienated parent
• Complex trauma

In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, speaks with family law attorney Rachel King. Rachel has been practicing family law for over 10 years. Her parents divorced when she was very young. Rachel shares her story of being a stepkid with us. 

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Bashing the other parent

• Being forced to call stepmom “mom”

• Differences in parenting in different homes

• Parentification

• Co-parenting

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“As a child of divorce, I thought I would have an easy time being a stepdad. I was so wrong. Being a stepdad is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to work on. I thought I’d come in and be “dad,” which resulted in many fights. I heard about Nacho through a lawyer friend. They recommended I join the Nacho Academy. I’m so glad I listened to them! Through the Nacho Academy, I learned what I did wrong. I worked on repairing my relationship with my stepson, and we are now in a much better place. Thank you, Nacho, for saving our blend!” ~ E.W.

 

** Disclaimer - mention of suicide **

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Michelle. Michelle’s husband was a guest on our podcast on episode 84! They have been blending for 4-½ years. She has one bio son and 5 stepkids. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Adult stepkids living at home
• Marrying a widower
• Being a stepmomzilla
• Learning to Nacho
• Stepkid’s choices could cause issues for custody of bio son

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Michelle. Michelle’s husband was a guest on our podcast on episode 84! They have been blending for 4-½ years. She has one bio son and 5 stepkids. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Adult stepkids living at home
• Marrying a widower
• Being a stepmomzilla
• Learning to Nacho
• Stepkid’s choices could cause issues for custody of bio son

*** Disclaimer *** - This episode has mention of drug addiction. 

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Liz Colvard. Liz was a widow with six bio kids and married a widower with two kids. She and her husband married after knowing each other for only four months and have been blending for 2-½ years.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being a widow with six bio kids
• Becoming a stepmom to kids whose bio mom has passed away
• Realizing you can’t parent your stepkids like you do your bio kids
• Stepkids with behavior and learning issues
• You can’t love problems away