When a stepchild hurts your partner, every instinct tells you to jump in and defend them, but that move often makes everything worse.

In this episode of The Nacho Kids Podcast, we unpack what really happens when step-parents step in too fast, how quickly alliances flip, and why trying to "fix" the moment can turn you into the problem.

We talk honestly about:

• Watching a stepchild disrespect or hurt your partner

• Why defending your partner can backfire

• How the target shifts from the behavior to you

• Why step-parents often feel more upset than the biological parent

• The danger of keeping score

• When stepping in can help and when stepping back is the healthiest move

This conversation isn't about bad kids or bad intentions. It's about understanding blended family dynamics, emotional triggers, and how to protect your relationship without escalating conflict.

Nacho isn't about disengaging emotionally.
It's about disengaging from what was never yours to fix.

If you're a step-parent trying to balance boundaries, connection, and peace, this episode will help you see the situation differently and respond with clarity instead of reaction.

Keywords: step parenting, blended families, step parent boundaries, co-parenting conflict, high conflict families, step parent burnout, Nacho Kids, family dynamics, emotional safety, marriage in blended families

In this lively episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive straight into a wild story involving clogged toilets, dangerous chemical reactions, and a visit from the local fire department. Lori recounts her adventure with her friend Holley as they try to fix her dad's clogged toilet, inadvertently creating chlorine gas by mixing household chemicals. The resulting chaos - fire trucks, EMTs, neighbors, and dad's dark humor - serves as a hilarious reminder: don't mix cleaning products!

The hosts then shift the conversation toward stepfamily dynamics, exploring how emotional attachments shape responses to mistakes made by stepkids versus biological kids and close friends. Lori and David share personal anecdotes about household frustrations (think dirty dishes and leftover cereal boxes) and how they navigate daily stresses, especially with the anticipated return of David's son and more family members moving in.

Throughout the episode, there's plenty of laughter, playful banter, and honest reflection on blending families, boundaries, and giving grace - even when someone leaves time on the microwave or a mess on the counter. The episode closes with a tongue-in-cheek debate about food, chores, and who really needs to stop eating - all in typical Nacho Kids Podcast fashion.

Key Topics:

• When DIY plumbing goes wrong—chemical mishaps and calling 911

• Differences in reactions to mishaps between stepkids, bio kids, and friends

• The rising stress of blended family living arrangements

• Household chores, boundaries, and comedic interactions between hosts

Listeners get a healthy dose of humor, relatable stepfamily struggles, and a reminder that sometimes, all you can do is "nacho"—let go and laugh about it.

Nacho Kids Testimony:

"I no longer regret marrying my husband! Thank you Nacho!" ~ H.H., Montgomery, AL, USA

Kick off 2026 with laughter and real talk! In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David explore the powerful topic of expectations—why they trip us up, how to let go of what others "should" do, and how to build more peace and happiness in your blended family life.

In this episode:

• Why expecting others to change (especially as a New Year's resolution!) sets you up for disappointment

• How your personal stories, judgments, and baggage shape what you expect from others—and how to rewrite those scripts

• Practical advice on shifting your mindset, spotting unrealistic expectations, and finding the positive even in tough times

• The importance of controlling your own reactions and embracing ownership of your actions and mistakes

• Why social media and Hallmark movies might be sabotaging your happiness

• Exciting news about donated Nacho Kids Academy scholarships, courtesy of the amazing Sylvia Krakauer

Nacho Testimony:
"If it wasn't for Nacho Parenting, I'd be divorced... again!" ~ L.W., Canton, OH, USA

Looking for real talk on blended family challenges, New Year's resolutions, and actionable strategies for stepfamilies? In this episode, hosts David and Lori dive deep into stepfamily dynamics and why things can change in an instant. Whether you're a stepparent, parent in a blended family, or just seeking practical advice on setting and achieving goals, this episode delivers with wit, wisdom, and warmth.

Episode Highlights:

• New Year's Resolutions & Why Most Fail: Learn why breaking goals into 90-day cycles (instead of year-long ambitions) leads to success.

• Psychology of Quick Wins: How seeing progress motivates stepfamilies, with lessons drawn from money management and video games.

• Realistic Blended Family Goals: Concrete ideas like reducing negativity and celebrating incremental progress.

• Building Relationships: Candid confessions on communication styles and maintaining healthy family or friendship connections.

• Acts of Kindness: The episode honors the memory of Ryan Webb by encouraging random acts of kindness in stepfamilies and communities.

Tune in for practical strategies, relatable stories, and the trademark Nacho Kids humor as David and Lori help you navigate life's curveballs in a blended family. From paying off your car to learning how to "Nacho" the negatives, this episode is packed with inspiration to start your year strong - one bite-sized step at a time!

Nacho Testimony:
"The whole Nacho thing made no sense to me years ago when I heard about it. Now, years later, I am so thankful for this method and Lori & David! They saved my marriage!" ~ E.J., Pittsburgh, PA, USA

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts David and Lori dive into a deeply relatable and emotional topic: financial stress and holiday challenges in blended families. Lori reads a heart-wrenching post from their Facebook group about a listener struggling to provide Christmas gifts for her children due to unexpected medical expenses, while her fiancé has spent thousands on his own kids' presents. The question at the core: Is this "nachoing," or is it something deeper about the relationship itself?

In this episode:

• Blended family finances
• Holiday stress for stepfamilies
• Nacho parenting boundaries
• Asking for help and community support
• Avoiding resentment between kids and partners
• Creative solutions to financial hardship
• The meaning of teamwork in blended families
• Managing unexpected expenses together
• Ethical giving and protecting your heart

Nacho Testimony:

Learning to Nacho was the best thing I ever did! It taught me so much about myself, our blend, and our marriage. I am so thankful for Nacho! ~ T.K., Washington DC, USA

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and guest David tackle one of the trickiest challenges in blended family life: what happens when the stepkids get sick? This episode dives deep into how co-parents and stepparents can navigate illness between households, keep communication open, and prioritize what's best for the kids.

In this episode:

• The impact of sick kids moving between households

• Communication strategies during illness

• Sticking to the court order vs. using common sense

• Special considerations for newborns and "ours" kids

• Documenting decisions and preparing for possible court ramifications

• Handling stepkids and bio kids during big events or vacations

• Setting expectations with your partner before kids get sick

• The difference between nuclear families and stepfamilies in dealing with sickness

• Grace, compassion, and the realities of co-parenting through illness

Perfect for step-parents, co-parents, and anyone navigating blended families, this episode offers actionable advice, personal stories, and a dose of humor. Whether your concern is family court, protecting newborns, or just managing the stress of sick kids in a complex household, you'll find something helpful here.

Nacho Testimony:

"Nacho parenting saved my life! I'm not kidding." ~ E.W., Atlanta, GA, USA

Is your blended family struggling with cell phone boundaries? NKP340 dives deep into the real challenges and solutions around kids, technology, and stepfamily life—don't miss these actionable tips!

In this insightful episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori & David tackle one of today's hottest parenting topics: managing cell phones in homes where children move between parents. From hilarious Little House on the Prairie analogies to sobering stories of real blended family struggles, this episode offers a mix of laughter, practical advice, and must-know warnings.

Listeners will learn:

• How cell phone rules can become battlegrounds between households, and ways to set clear boundaries before problems start.

• Pros and cons of monitoring apps like Life360, Faraday bags for privacy, and navigating who controls a child's device and passwords.

• Why direct communication and trust (but verify!) are essential, and the vital role of bio parents in digital discipline.

• Eye-opening risks around online gaming, social media, sextortion, and the emotional impact of technology on kids.

• How to explain tech boundaries, and why every child—and family—may need different rules.

Connect with the Nacho Kids Podcast:

• Website: nachokids.com

• YouTube: Nacho Kids Podcast Channel

• Facebook: Nacho Kids Facebook Group

Nacho Kids Academy Testimonial:
"I was at my wits end. I hated my life. I joined the Nacho Academy out of sheer desperation. I wish I would have joined it sooner! It changed my life!" M.G. ~ El Paso, TX, USA

This week on Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David dive deep into the often sticky subject of gifts: where they go, who they belong to, and the emotional complexities when kids want to bring presents between homes. Whether your family is navigating joint custody, split holidays, or parallel parenting, this episode delivers smart advice and real stories that every modern blended family can relate to.

Listeners will learn:

• The factors that influence whether gifts should travel between homes (cost, age, custody schedules)

• How withholding gifts can reinforce the sense of "two separate lives" for kids, and emotional fallout that comes with it

• Tips for setting clear expectations about gifts, including guidelines for expensive presents and clothing

• The pitfalls of competitive gift-giving between parents and how to keep the focus on your child

• Alternatives to physical presents, like sharing memorable experiences instead

• Why "guilty parent syndrome" can drive us to replace lost or broken items, and why letting kids learn consequences is often healthier

Relevant Links:
Learn more about Nacho Kids: nachokids.com
Join the Nacho Kids Academy: NachoKidsAcademy.com
Connect on Facebook: Nacho Kids Facebook
Subscribe and never miss an episode: Apple Podcasts
YouTube: Nacho Kids YouTube

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review, or check out the full Nacho Kids Method on nachokids.com to join the conversation and gain more support in your blended family journey!