The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver

Lori Sims & David Sims

Stepfamilies and blended families are very challenging. With a failure rate of over 70%, it's clear that blended families need help. Nacho Kids founders and blended family coaches, Lori and David Sims, are here to help blended families save their sanity and relationships. You'll hear the hosts and guests discuss the struggles and successes of blended family life and learn how the Nacho Kids Method is changing lives and saving relationships around the world. read less

Our Editor's Take

What is The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver? It's a series created to help support anyone combining different families into one.

Podcast hosts Lori and David Sims share their stories of step-family life. When they married, they combined five children into a "blended mess." At first, everyone felt excited by their new family set-up. Lori and David thought they had prepared enough through thorough research.

By the time they reached their second year, minor issues had become significant. Lori admits not wanting to come home, as it was so difficult. As the two sought help, they realized they should share their experience with others. Lori and David now provide education and advice through their Nacho Kids Academy. "Nacho Kids" refers to "Not Your Kids," which helped the pair stay lighthearted throughout their journey.

Through the podcast, Lori and David reveal their rules and what works and what doesn't. They interview step-families navigating this challenging journey and share their learnings, too. There are episodes about feeling like an outsider and understanding boundaries and expectations. As some families struggle to stay together, there are also conversations about divorce. How can this decision affect family life?

One episode features a stepmom experiencing fertility issues while raising a stepdaughter. The relationship began well, but it changed when she moved into her partner's house. What is it like living in the house one's partner shared with their ex? The stepmom struggled to conceive while playing a mom role to her husband's daughter. Her stepdaughter is always a reminder that she can't have children. The stepmom also reveals friction with her partner's ex.

The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver shares stories and advice for blended families. Lori and David use their experience to help others navigate this life change. Their mission is to show others how they can discover a positive family experience. New episodes premiere every week.

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254: Lori & David Answer Nacho Questions

254: Lori & David Answer Nacho Questions

In this episode, Lori and David, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, answer some Nacho questions. You have questions, we have answers! Please note, these are top level answers to questions and in the Nacho Kids Academy Lori and David delve deeper into the questions you may have and provide guidance to help you Nacho properly. In this episode, we discuss the following: Triggers Nasty Stepkids Summertime stepkids Stepparent responsibilities Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “This Nacho stuff is gold! I wish we would have found it sooner. My husband and I decided to join because we were really struggling in our blend. Something had to give. This was the best decision we could have made! We have started healing from our past hurts, and are rebuilding our blended relationships every day! Thank you Dave and Lori! You saved our marriage!” ~ J.F.

Episodes

254: Lori & David Answer Nacho Questions

254: Lori & David Answer Nacho Questions

In this episode, Lori and David, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, answer some Nacho questions. You have questions, we have answers! Please note, these are top level answers to questions and in the Nacho Kids Academy Lori and David delve deeper into the questions you may have and provide guidance to help you Nacho properly. In this episode, we discuss the following: Triggers Nasty Stepkids Summertime stepkids Stepparent responsibilities Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “This Nacho stuff is gold! I wish we would have found it sooner. My husband and I decided to join because we were really struggling in our blend. Something had to give. This was the best decision we could have made! We have started healing from our past hurts, and are rebuilding our blended relationships every day! Thank you Dave and Lori! You saved our marriage!” ~ J.F.

253: Parental Alienation ~ A Legal Or Mental Health Issue?

253: Parental Alienation ~ A Legal Or Mental Health Issue?

In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talks to bio dad Chris. Chris has experienced parental alienation with his daughter. Chris shares his story and because of his alienation is working to help other alienated parents. In this episode, we discuss the following: Parental alienation Boundaries Legal issue versus mental health issue Divorced parents and school Psychological abuse Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “I had decided to leave my partner. A friend at work was watching the Guilty Parent Syndrome course in the Nacho Academy during our lunch break and I heard something that clicked with me. I asked him what he was listening to and he told me it was one of the video courses in the Nacho Parenting Academy. I immediately signed up and have decided my relationship is worth working for and that I’d rather make things work with my partner than to start over with someone else.” ~ M.W.

252: Stepson Wants Stepmom To Be Mom

252: Stepson Wants Stepmom To Be Mom

*** DISCLAIMER *** Mention of attempted suicide in this episode. In this episode, Lori and David Sims, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talk to stepmom Jo and bio dad Ben! They have been blending for five years and married two. Ben has two bio kids, one of which lives with him full-time and wants Jo to be his mom! Jo pushed for the oldest stepson to come live with them full-time and feels she has emotionally adopted him. Jo and Ben’s journey has not been easy, in fact there was a time where Jo attempted suicide. In this episode, we discuss the following: The importance of getting help Stepmom burnout Emotional adoption Setting boundaries with bio mom Having a “golden child” stepkid Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “I don’t normally write reviews, but I had to because I want others to know there truly is help out there! This Nacho Academy stuff is gold! Even if you aren’t in a stepfamily, it teaches you tools you can use in everyday life to help lower your stress. I recommend it for everyone!” ~ L.J.

251: Ruminating In The Blend

251: Ruminating In The Blend

In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, and Claudette Chenevert ~ The Stepmom Coach, talk about ruminating. Rumination is something everyone does. It’s natural . But is it healthy? In this episode, we discuss the following: Ruminating Setting Boundaries as a stepmom/stepdad… heck, as a person 7 Sins of Memory How to handle rumination if it is affecting you negatively Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: ***** 100+ STARS ***** This Nacho stuff works guys! I was ready to walk away. I was losing my mind. I was grumpy all the time. I was not happy!. One morning on the way to work I was thinking about going ahead and signing the lease on this apartment I had looked at the previous week. But I got this weird feeling, and felt something was telling me to just wait until Monday since it was already late Friday. Walking into work and clocking in, I heard two co-workers talking and one said, “Yeah girl, my therapist told me to join this Nacho Academy” and they started laughing.When I got to my desk, I googled Nacho school. Nothing came up, Then I remembered she said Nacho Academy. I found it and read some of the blogs and testimonials, and I cried. These people were me! So, if people like me were improving their lives with this Nacho thing, I was willing to give it a try. LET ME TELL YOU! By day 15 my partner asked me if I was high because I was so relaxed. I laughed and told him that I was trying to do some self-development stuff. He told me he knew something was up. If this is what da 15 feels like, I can’t wait to finish the bootcamp and start the next challenge!”

250: Time Changes Things, Especially In A Blended Family

250: Time Changes Things, Especially In A Blended Family

In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talks to a guest who was on the Nacho podcast before. This guest, the Canadian Stepmom was on episode 109 if you’d like to listen to it prior to this one. We reached out to Canadian Stepmom to get an update from her after a few years. She has three stepsons and four bio sons. Yep, all boys! In this episode, we discuss the following: Having triplets and father is not home 95% of the time Being a boy mom/stepmom Things change with bio mom Sharing Nachoing with bio mom Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting Academy Success Story: “I have listened to your podcast for years. I never thought I’d need the Nacho Parenting Academy, but one day I heard a podcast with someone who had been in the academy. I decided to join to see if it would help me with some of the issues I was having. I had just received my tax money and decided to spend $100 of on two months of the Nacho Kids school as an investment to my marriage and myself. The money I saved from drinking alcohol after the first month of being a nacho member was enough for me to buy another month membership! My husband has even said he’d pay for two more months for me for Valentine’s Day. This Nacho stuff works!” ~ N.B.

249: Things I Would Have Done Differently

249: Things I Would Have Done Differently

In this episode, Lori and David, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talk about things she would have done differently in regards to how she reacted when the stepkids angered her. This episode was inspired by one of Lori’s stepkids asking her this question recently. In this episode, we discuss the following: Feeling your bio child is bullied by the stepkids Wanting to beat up your stepkid Yoohoo gate Vacations Accuracy of memories Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “I hated my life. I actually had thought about ending my life several times. I felt everyone was against me. My husband and I fought all the time, my stepkids hated me, my in-laws hated me. I figured everyone would be better off without me until one day I heard the Nacho Kids Podcast a friend was listening to. I started crying and realized I wasn’t alone! Hearing Lori telling another stepmom not to give up and helping her through some of her challenges made me realize I needed help. I joined the Nacho Kids Academy that day during my lunch and I can honestly say it’s the best decision I ever made! Thank you Lori for everything you do for stepfamilies!” ~ K.G.

248: Stepmom Assaulted By Bio Mom

248: Stepmom Assaulted By Bio Mom

In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talks to stepmom Chyna. Chyna has been blending for two years, she has two stepkids and two bio kids. Her partner adopted her bio kids that she brought into the relationship. The hardest part of blending for her is dealing with bio mom. Her best advice is to let it come naturally. In this episode, we discuss the following: Being assaulted by bio mom Differences in stepkid relationships Calling your stepkid your own Court order not allowing stepkid to call stepmom “mom” Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “I just joined the Nacho Academy three days ago and have been binge watching the courses. They are helping me so much. I no longer feel like I’m evil for not loving my stepkids as my own and I no longer feel alone! Thank you Lori and David for doing all you do to help people like me!” ~ J.V.

247: Fears In The Blend Family

247: Fears In The Blend Family

In this episode, Lori and David, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talk about different fears in a blended family experience. Not only do stepparents experience fears, so do the bio parents, and the kids. In this episode, we discuss the following: Fears of a bio parent in a blended family Fears of a stepparent in a blended family Fears of a bio kid in a blended family Fears of a stepkid in a blended family Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “I started the Nacho Academy two months ago. I am not kidding you when I tell you it changed my life! I no longer avoid going home when the stepkids are there. I don’t have anxiety days before I know they are coming. My partner and I no longer fight about the kids. Lori and David aren’t kidding when they say Life Is Good When You Nacho! It really is!” ~ C.S.

246: Interview With One Of The OG Nacho Kids

246: Interview With One Of The OG Nacho Kids

In this episode, Lori and David, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talk with one of David’s sons, and Lori’s stepsons, Ethan. Ethan was a guest on episode 83 a little over three years ago. Listen as they talk about how things have changed in the past few years. In this episode, we discuss the following: Step grandparents Relationships between stepmom and stepkids Different types of love When the stepkid boomerangs Relationships between bio and stepkid Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “I felt so alone. I had no one that understood what I was going through until I found Nacho Kids. I listened to the first podcast and immediately joined the Nacho Kids Academy because I knew they were my people! Lori & David really care about other people and it shows. They go above and beyond in their Academy to help you achieve success in Nachoing! ~ K.F.

245: Stepmom Whose Bio Kids' Father Passed Away

245: Stepmom Whose Bio Kids' Father Passed Away

In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talks with a stepmom who has been blending for five years. She has two stepkids, three bio kids, and one ours kid. The father of her bio kids passed away a few years ago and that has created new challenges in the blend. In this episode, we discuss the following: Having all the kids, all the time High conflict bio mom Equality in the blend Boundaries Feeling you are giving up control Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “I thought this Nacho stuff was a bunch of crap when I heard about it years ago. Who would say their stepkids weren’t their kids? Only horrible people! Well, I turned into this person. I didn’t turn into a horrible person, but was slapped in the face with the reality that they weren’t my kids, I then understood why people Nacho. I didn’t need this the first eight years, but then things changed. Thankfully I decided to try to hear what this nacho stuff was about, and joined the Academy. You all will not believe how awesome this stuff is! It is pure gold! It has helped me with the blended challenges, with issues at work and within my relationships with my own biological mother and father! Nacho on my fellow Nacho Tribe! ” ~ R.H.

244: What We Say, What We Mean, And What We Hear

244: What We Say, What We Mean, And What We Hear

In this episode, Lori and David Sims, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talk about communication. Specifically what you say versus what you mean and what you hear versus what was said. Communication is vital to every relationship, and it’s important to make sure you are clear in what you are saying and that you aren’t misunderstanding what is being said. In this episode, we discuss the following: What you say What you don’t say What they say What we hear Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “If I could, I’d fly to Lori and David and hug their necks! They are the reason my partner and I are still together. They are the reason we fought for our relationship instead of giving up when things were hard!. They are just awesome! I love them!” ~ S.M.

243: Wills And Estate Planning In The Blend

243: Wills And Estate Planning In The Blend

In this episode, Lori and David Sims, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talk about wills and estate planning in the blend. Should a stepparent be expected to leave their stepkids something in their will? Should a stepparent be expected to leave their stepkids the same thing they leave their bio kids? What is fair? In this episode, we discuss the following: Expectations of stepparents to put stepkids in their wills. How bio kids would feel if stepkids were put in bio parents will. Does it need to be equal between step and bio kids? Talking to an estate planning attorney. Should you purchase life insurance to just have something to leave your kids/stepkids? Nacho Kids Academy Success Story: “My life sucked so bad. I hated waking up every day. I ran across the Nacho Kids podcast and heard about the Academy. I joined immediately. It was the best decision I ever made. I feel like the old me and love myself and my life again. I can’t thank Lori and David enough for what they do for stepfamiies.” ~ C.N.

242: Feeling Like You Have No Control In The BLend

242: Feeling Like You Have No Control In The BLend

In this episode, Lori and David Sims, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talk about how stepparents often feel they have no control in their blended home. In this episode, we discuss the following: No control over the stepkids. No control over how your partner parents. No control over the other parent. The ultimate control is letting go of things you can’t control, but instead controlling how you let things affect you. Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting Success Story: “I recently heard about Nacho Kids from my therapist. She told me to join the Academy and give it 30 days. Boy what a difference taking the Nacho Boot Camp made in our blend! My therapist is even amazed at how things improved so quickly in our blend!” ~ R.H.

241: Part 2 Lori And David Share More Nacho Rules

241: Part 2 Lori And David Share More Nacho Rules

In this episode, Lori and David Sims, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, share some Nacho rules with listeners. In this episode, we discuss the following: You can’t expect your significant other to parent like you think they should. You can’t control what happens at the “other parent’s house”. You can’t discipline them like your own. You can’t expect the stepkids to treat you with respect if your significant other doesn’t make them. You can’t feel guilty for not loving them like your own. Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting Success Story: “I would like to start off by saying how blessed I am to have stumbled upon your podcast a couple of months back. You all have not only saved my marriage but also played such an important role in my life as a stepmom and mom of an ours baby.” ~ S.A.

240: Lori & David Talk About Some Nacho Rules

240: Lori & David Talk About Some Nacho Rules

In this episode, Lori and David Sims, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, share some Nacho rules with listeners. In this episode, we discuss the following: You can’t say anything negative to or about the stepkid. You can’t expect more from the stepkid than their own bio parents do. You can’t care more about the stepkids than the bio parents do. You can’t parent them like your own. You can’t expect them to treat you as their parent, because you’re not. Nacho Kids Academy Nacho Parenting Success Story: “I never thought I would need help with blending. After all, I am a marriage counselor! I’m not supposed to need help. Well, I did. I needed help navigating this blend and am so thankful for Lori and David’s Nacho program! Now I can enjoy my blend and not feel like I’m a failure as a marriage counselor..” ~ S.Y.

239: Stepmom Considers One Of Her Stepkids As Her Own

239: Stepmom Considers One Of Her Stepkids As Her Own

In this episode, Lori Sims, co-founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talks to a stepmom who has been blending for seven years. She has two bio kids, whose fathers are not in the picture, and she has four stepkids with three different bio moms. She considers one of the stepkids as her own. In this episode, we discuss the following: Being a stepkid and a stepmom Loving one stepkid as your own When your bio kids other parent is absent When the bio parent remarries quickly Nacho Kids Academy Nacho Parenting Success Story: “This blended family stuff about took me out. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. Thankfully, I found the Nacho Kids Academy and it gave me the tools to lower my stress and focus on my relationship with my partner.” ~ H.W.

238: Stepmom Accused of Abuse

238: Stepmom Accused of Abuse

** Disclaimer- Accusation Of Abuse ** In this episode, Lori Sims, co-founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talks to a full-time childless stepmom. This stepmom has been blending for fourteen years, and has three adult stepkids. After one of her stepkids accused her of abuse, stepmom moved out of the home. She did not return to the home until after the stepkid had moved out. In this episode, we discuss the following: Being a childless stepmom Accused of abuse by stepkid Moving out of the blended home Living separately because of the stepkids Never being mom even though bio mom is not in the picture Nacho Kids Academy Nacho Parenting Success Story: “I’ve been on this blended family journey for three years. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. I decided to join this Nacho Academy to see if it would help. Honestly, I didn’t have much hope that it would. Boy was I shocked! Within 2 weeks, I noticed a positive change in our blend. Here we are 6 months later and are happier than I ever thought we’d be. It took work, but it was so worth it!” ~ A.K.

237: Stepdad Nick Rothwell

237: Stepdad Nick Rothwell

** Disclaimer: Mention of alcoholism and miscarriage ** In this episode, Lori Sims, co-founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talks to Nick Rothwell. Nick is a stepdad to three stepkids. Nick realized he needed to change the way he interacted with his stepkids in order to have a better blend. In this episode, we discuss the following: Being a stepdad and not a bio dad When the stepkids dad loses visitation Seeing the blend as a family Feeling the need to save your partner and their kids Apologizing Nacho Kids Academy Nacho Parenting Success Story: “It’s crazy how this Nacho stuff changed our blend! We are finally happy! Thanks Dave and Lori for all you do to save blended families like ours!” ~ F.R.

236: Jeanette Soltys ~ Stepmom And Divorce & Custody Attorney

236: Jeanette Soltys ~ Stepmom And Divorce & Custody Attorney

In this episode, Lori and David Sims, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talk to Jeanette Soltys a divorce and custody attorney, and also a stepmom! The hardest part of her blend is dealing with what the kids say to their other bio parent and assumptions being made about their home. She works to help couples have a more amicable and less costly divorce and custody agreement. In this episode, we discuss the following: Being a stepmom and a Divorce and custody attorney Co-parenting relationships Differences in parenting Family court systems shortcomings Needing your own space as a stepparent Joint family rules for the blend Nacho Kids Academy Nacho Parenting Success Story: “As a relationship therapist, I had to check out this Nacho thing my clients kept mentioning. I read the stuff online on the website and the Facebook pages and the Facebook group. I decided to be fair about my assessment, so I joined the Academy. I can’t tell you how much I learned in the Academy! As a relationship therapist I don’t know everything and appreciate this resource for me to help my clients.” ~ G.W.

235: Interview With Kari Kling

235: Interview With Kari Kling

In this episode, Lori and David Sims, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, interview Kari Kling. Kari grew up in blended families and shares her story about the differences she experienced in her blends. In this episode, we discuss the following: Having divorced parents when it wasn’t the norm Learning to have a stable committed relationship after having divorced parents Not all blends are the same for the stepkid It’s not always fair between bio and stepkids Stepkids feel they have no say Nacho Kids Academy Nacho Parenting Success Story: “I was miserable and thinking of leaving my wife. I was tired of fighting about the kids. We found the Nacho Method and joined the Academy three months ago, and our lives are so much better! Thank you Nacho!” ~ R.M.