The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Amy. Amy was a widow before becoming a stepmom. She has been blending for two years, has two stepkids, and one ours kid. In this episode, we discuss: Grieving the nuclear family dreams Becoming a full-time stepmom unexpectedly Having one stepkid with you, and one alienated The stepkids going back and forth between homes The stepmom label

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David, founders of Nacho Kids, interview Dr. Tara Egan of Egan Counseling & Consulting. Dr. Tara Egan also has a podcast, "One Day You'll Thank Me." She has been blending for seven years, is a bio mom to two kids, and a stepmom to four stepkids. In this episode, we discuss: Starting off slowly Blended challenges Disengaging BIFF Thinking positively

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

**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 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 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

** 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

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Dr. Sonia Cann-Milland. Sonia has been blending for 16 years, has three stepkids and two bio kids, one of which is on the spectrum. In this episode, we discuss: Bio kids going to live with the other bio parent Having a bio child on the spectrum Bio kids' relationship with their stepmom Blended families and schools Transition periods

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews bio dad Robert! Robert is the husband of our guest last week, Paula. Robert has 10 bio kids and married Paula who had no bio children. He shares with us the blend and the struggles from his viewpoint. In this episode, we discuss: Blending from a bio dad's perspective The stepparent wanting the stepkids to have more rules/consequences Different parenting styles Moving into the stepparent's home Being lax in parenting as a bio parent

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Paula. Paula has been blending for 8 years, has no bio kids of her own, and has 10 stepkids! There are two bio moms, one of which is absent. In this episode, we discuss: Being a childless stepmom Having 10 stepkids Dealing with effects of an absent bio mom Significant other wanting the stepparent to love kids like their own Nachoing

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews stepmom Kathy. Kathy has been blending for 5 years, has two bio kids, and six stepkids ages 43 to 9! Her grandson and stepdaughter are the same age and she is struggling with her husband not Nachoing her grandson. In this episode, we discuss: Blended challenges as a grandmother Having a stepkid the same age as your grandkid Unexpected changes in the blend Stepdaughter being jealous of stepmom Significant other not Nachoing the step-grandkid

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori, co-founder of Nacho Kids, interviews a stepmom from Texas! This stepmom has been blending for over 4 years. She has one stepdaughter and a 7-month old ours baby! She is also a stepchild herself. In this episode, we discuss: Not having a court order for visitation or child support Being a stepkid Having an ours baby in the blend Boundaries with the bio mom