Feeling tired, hangry, or just out of sorts? This week on the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive into how emotions like hunger, anger, loneliness, and exhaustion can derail crucial conversations in blended families - and what to do about it.

In this candid and witty episode, Lori and David unpack the HALT method (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), sharing personal stories and practical tips for recognizing when you're not in the right headspace for tough talks with your partner or stepkids. You'll learn why it's so important to hit pause on those "serious" discussions when emotions are running high, how quick wit and sarcasm can be double-edged swords, and why self-awareness and communication are crucial for stepfamily harmony. Plus, Lori gets real about her bandwidth, menopause mood swings, and the importance of being kind - even when family members aren’t!

Listeners will walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of how emotions affect stepfamily dynamics

• Concrete tips for using the HALT method before crucial conversations

• Relatable humor, self-reflection, and the importance of knowing your limits

Don’t forget to visit nachokids.com for more resources, and follow Nacho Kids on Facebook and Instagram.

Struggling with the challenges of blending families? Discover practical ways to set healthy boundaries and rediscover yourself in stepfamily life!

In Episode NKP327 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori welcomes Heather, a stepmom navigating her first year in the blending trenches. Heather opens up about her journey from confident “super stepmom” to being overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations - especially around food, household chores, and parenting differences. She shares how discovering the Nacho Kids approach helped her step back, reduce resentment, repair relationships, and reclaim her joy.

Listeners will learn:

• Why even experienced parents can feel blindsided by blending families

• How the pressure to be a perfect stepmom creates unnecessary stress

• The transformative power of “nachoing”—letting go, stepping back, and focusing on your role as a supportive partner rather than a replacement parent

• Strategies for addressing common stepfamily struggles, like different household routines and conflicting parenting styles

• The importance of self-care, healthy communication, and seeing situations from the stepchild’s perspective

Heather’s story is relatable, candid, and full of “aha!” moments for anyone in a blended family. Whether you’re a new stepparent or a veteran, this conversation will inspire you to find more peace in your home.

Listen now and remember: Life is good when you Nacho!

Nacho Kids Testimonial:

My stepdaughter still ignores me, and I’m fine. That’s the Nacho shift. ~ H.P., New York, NY, USA

Struggling to understand why your partner “guilty parents”, or noticing it in yourself? This episode dives deep into what “Guilty Parent Syndrome” (GPS) is, why it’s so common in blended families, and how partners can navigate it with empathy and confidence.

In Episode #326 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David get real about guilty parent syndrome: when guilt affects how parents discipline or interact with their kids, often leading to inconsistent boundaries, indulgence, or fear of “losing” time or connection.

Lori and David share their personal experiences of “parenting through guilt,” offer practical scenarios from stepfamily life (like inconsistent discipline or “guilty gift-giving”), and explain why this isn’t just a stepfamily phenomenon. They break down why GPS can hit bio-parents so hard and why stepparents, especially those without children, may have trouble truly “getting it.” You’ll learn why empathy, communication, and realistic expectations are essential for healthier co-parenting and happier homes.

Want to go deeper? Check out Nacho Kids resources, join the Nacho Kids Academy, or connect on social media.

Discover what happens when a blended family actually flourishes. Yes, it’s possible! In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with a remarkable teenage stepkid who shares his rare, positive perspective on navigating life with divorced parents, stepfamilies, and even step-siblings.

Listeners will get an inside look at what healthy co-parenting looks like through the eyes of an easygoing stepkid who has strong, drama-free relationships with his stepmom and stepdad. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of adapting to living in two homes, forming real bonds with step-siblings, and what happens when boundaries and respect are mutual between parents and step-parents. He opens up about the hardest parts of his parents’ divorce, how therapy helped, and why he recognizes his stepparents on Mother’s and Father’s Day (yes, really!).

This episode reveals not only practical tips for parents and stepparents, like the importance of strong communication, setting boundaries, and letting kids emotionally process big changes, but also offers hope that peaceful blended families do exist. Plus, you’ll hear touching anecdotes about handling holidays, family traditions, and even what to do if your parents get along so well their new partners become friends!

What you’ll learn:

• What helps stepkids develop strong bonds with stepparents

• How living arrangements impact stepkid/stepparent dynamics

• The importance of boundaries, communication, and therapy after divorce

• Handling holidays and traditions in blended families

• Real stories of stepkid/stepfamily relationships that actually work

Links:

• Check out our website and blogs: nachokids.com

• Follow Nacho Kids on Facebook: Nacho Kids Facebook

• Join the Nacho Kids Academy: Nacho Kids Academy

Listen to NKP325 for an inspiring dose of hope, and a reminder that peace and love are possible in stepfamilies. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to support more real-life blended family stories!

Nacho Kids Testimony:

Coaching with Lori pulled us back from the edge of divorce. ~ J.F., Chicago, IL USA

Laugh your way through the ups and downs of blended family life in Episode 324 of the Nacho Kids Podcast! Hosts David and Lori bring their signature humor and honesty to a fresh discussion about the realities of stepfamily dynamics—proving it’s always a hot mess, but never without a laugh.

In this episode, you’ll:

• Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into David and Lori’s relationship as they share candid moments and jokes about married life in a blended family.

• Hear how they transform challenging topics—like issues around stepkids and “family sucking otherwise”—into opportunities for connection and laughter.

• Feel validated if you’ve ever struggled with tough family topics, as the hosts keep things real while still making space for joy and fun.

Although there’s no featured guest in this episode, David and Lori’s chemistry and honest banter will make you feel like you’re sitting at the kitchen table with old friends. This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the stepparent journey or looking for a little comic relief in the midst of family chaos.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share your favorite moment, and leave us a review so we can keep spreading the laughter!

Find more episodes and resources:
Website: nachokids.com
Facebook: Nacho Kids
Instagram: @nachokids

Join the Nacho Kids community and turn your “hot mess” into your happy place!

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori welcomes back Michaela Bucchianeri to explore emotional regulation, a crucial skill for every stepmom and stepfamily member. Michaela breaks down the myth that emotions are the enemy and shares actionable tips for managing stress responses like fight, flight, and fawn. Discover practical tools for building emotional vocabulary, reframing negative thoughts, and intentionally choosing which situations to engage in. Learn why emotional awareness is vital in step-parenting, how to avoid people-pleasing traps, and ways to protect your mental and physical health from chronic stress. Perfect for stepmoms seeking healthier relationships, self-regulation, and a happier blended family life.

Key elements:

• Emotions aren’t the enemy - learn to work with them, not suppress them.

• Stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) and their impact on stepfamily life.

• Ways to expand emotional vocabulary for better self-awareness and communication.

• Tips for reframing situations to reduce conflict and emotional overwhelm.

• The importance of intentionally choosing situations to protect your emotional energy.

• How people-pleasing and over-functioning can cause long-term burnout.

• Actionable self-regulation techniques to support your health and stepfamily dynamics.

Perfect for stepmoms and blended families seeking actionable advice on emotional wellness, setting boundaries, and strengthening relationships.
#stepmomlife #emotionregulation #blendedfamilytips

Resources Mentioned

• NachoKids.com

• NachoKidsAcademy.com

Nacho Parenting Testimonial:

I stopped crying in the bathroom after coaching with Lori. I finally feel like “ME” again. Forever Grateful! S.B., Nashville, TN, USA

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive into the everyday challenges stepparents face, using real-life examples from their blended family. From disputes over GPS navigation and vacuum cleaner filters to the ongoing “dishes dilemma,” the couple offers a candid, humorous look into the emotional triggers that can arise in blended households. Lori emphasizes how the Nacho Method not only reduces stress within the stepfamily dynamic but also helps handle life’s daily annoyances more calmly. Whether it’s tackling chores, navigating relationships with stepkids, or learning to nacho stressful moments, this episode delivers actionable tips for maintaining peace and sanity in your blended family.

Key Topics:

• Handling household chores and responsibilities
• Communication and conflict in relationships
• Role imbalance in blended families
• Emotional responses and stress management
• Finding practical solutions for daily frustrations

Nacho Kids Academy Testimonial:

This Academy didn't only help my blend, it helped ME! ~ S.D., Melbourne, Australia

#NachoKids #StepfamilyAdvice #BlendedFamilyStress

In this insightful episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori sits down with a unique duo - a biomom and stepmom who have successfully navigated the challenges of a blended family to become good friends. With over 11 years in their blend, the stepmom and the biomom discuss how they overcame early co-parenting hurdles, managed shifting visitation schedules, and built a friendship rooted in mutual respect and the well-being of the children. Listeners get a candid look at real-life co-parenting dynamics, from open communication and handling tough emotions to supporting each other through life’s challenges, like divorce and a child’s medical needs. Tune in to hear their firsthand advice on keeping the kids’ best interests at the center while fostering harmony between households.

Perfect for anyone seeking real-world tips on blending families, building trust with co-parents, and maintaining respectful boundaries in a stepfamily dynamic.

In this episode we discuss:

• Building Positive Stepmom and Biomom Relationships
• Co-parenting and Communication Challenges
• Navigating Divorce and Blended Family Dynamics
• Prioritizing Children's Well-being and Stability
• Support Systems During Family and Health Crisis

#BlendedFamily #CoParentingSuccess #NachoKidsPodcast

Nacho Success Story:

“We stopped arguing about parenting once I stopped parenting kids that weren’t mine.” ~ R.P., San Diego, CA, USA