The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David broadcast live from the beach, sharing personal stories and hard-learned lessons about stepfamily vacations. They discuss the logistical and emotional challenges of blending five boys with different interests, from budgeting for group activities to navigating restaurant seating. The hosts reflect on the importance of flexibility, managing expectations, and keeping vacations short to minimize stress and conflict.
A significant portion of the conversation covers the issue of summer childcare, especially when a stepparent works from home. Lori and David debate the fairness and practicality of expecting the stepparent to watch stepkids, emphasizing the need to establish clear boundaries and explore all childcare options before making decisions. They encourage open communication between partners to prevent resentment.
Listeners are invited to share their own vacation strategies for stepfamilies. The episode closes with a recommendation: keep family trips shorter and save a few days for the couple to recover afterward!
Topics Discussed
Excitement about the Nacho Kids book release on Step Family Day (September 16)

Reaching over 1 million podcast downloads

Lessons learned about family vacations
Keeping vacations short (3-4 days) reduces stress

Letting each child choose one activity

 Not forcing everyone to participate in everything

Importance of flexibility and not over-planning

Making sure each child has earphones/devices for long travel

Sometimes it's best not to give kids options


The emotional cost and lack of "vacation" time for parents compared to kids

Summer childcare issues for stepparents who work from home
Working from home is still working and should not equate to being default childcare

Setting boundaries and having open conversations about expectations

Exploring all options: camps, daycare, grandparents, babysitters, the other bio parent

Considering compromises, such as part-time childcare

Risks of resentment and increasing stress when solutions aren't fair


Saving vacation days for adult-only trips, if possible

Listeners are invited to share their own vacation strategies for stepfamilies. The episode closes with a recommendation: keep family trips shorter and save a few days for the couple to recover afterward!

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

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

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!

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.