Welcome to another captivating episode of NK Podcast Shared! Today we dive into episode NKP290 with our special guest, Kim Early. Join us as Kim shares her profound journey through the complexities of modern behavior, spiritual growth, and the challenging dynamics of blended families.

Kim brings her unique philosophy, advocating for the removal of polarizing concepts like right and wrong, and highlights the importance of personal choices and spiritual reckoning. Kim opens up about overcoming initial animosity towards her stepson's mother, revealing how she sought peace and enlightenment amidst conflict. She discusses shifting negative thinking patterns, the essence of self-love, setting healthy boundaries, and spreading kindness through community work.

We delve into the intricacies of family dynamics, from managing holiday schedules to the emotional strains of step-parenting. Kim shares her challenges and triumphs, including her experiences with strained relationships and maintaining positive energy. Don't miss this insightful conversation that promises to leave you inspired and contemplative. Let's jump right in!

 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Philosophy on Right/Wrong

• Mindset and Growth

• Boundaries and Self-Love

• Handling Social Media Conflicts

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

"I didn’t realize how much stress I was putting on myself trying to discipline my stepkids. Nachoing showed me that it’s okay to let the biological parent handle the parenting while I focus on being a positive influence. It’s been a huge relief, and I’ve noticed the kids respect me more now." ~ Mark L., Stepfather of 3

 

Welcome back to NK Podcast and we're excited to bring you Episode 289, featuring a deeply honest and emotional conversation with our special guest, West Coast Stepmom. She opens up about the complexities and challenges of navigating a blended family. In this episode, she shares her personal journey, from dealing with communication issues with her husband's ex-wife to the escalating tensions that have affected her marriage and step-parenting role. We dive into stepmom’s reflections on loyalty, boundaries, and the emotional toll of feeling like an outsider in her own home. Lori, our insightful host, guides us through conversations about managing expectations, seeking personal growth, and the societal norms that impact stepfamilies today. Whether you're part of a blended family or interested in the dynamics of modern relationships, this episode promises to deliver heartfelt insights and practical wisdom. Tune in as we explore the balancing act between love, parenting, and maintaining one's sense of self amidst family upheaval.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Boundary Setting

• Respecting the Ex's Role

• Step-Parenting Roles

• Managing Societal Expectations

• Coping with Accusations

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

"The Nacho Kids method saved my sanity! I used to think I had to be a 'supermom' to my stepkids, but it only led to stress and resentment. Nachoing taught me how to step back and focus on being a supportive partner. The change in my household is incredible—we’re finally at peace." ~ Sarah M., Stepmom of 3

Welcome to another insightful episode of NK Podcast, where we dive into navigating the complex dynamics of stepfamilies during the holiday season. In this episode, Lori sits down with Claudette Chenover, a seasoned stepmom coach, to discuss the common challenges and emotional hurdles that come with gift-giving and family traditions in blended families. Claudette shares personal anecdotes, including a poignant moment when her sister’s exclusionary gift-giving upset her stepdaughters. They talk about the importance of fairness, managing expectations, and how thoughtful, handmade gifts often create lasting memories. You'll hear practical tips on budgeting, balancing family dynamics, and embracing experiences over material gifts to foster connection and joy. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or planning festive activities, this episode offers invaluable advice to ensure your holiday season is filled with warmth and togetherness without the stress. Tune in as we delve into creating meaningful family experiences and keeping the holiday spirit alive in every member of your blended family.

In this episode we discuss:

• Navigating Holidays as a Stepfamily
• Stepparent Dynamics and Gift Challenges
• Establishing Family Traditions in Blended Families
• Gift Expectations
• Fairness

Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting Success Story:

“A Fresh Start for Our Blended Family” "We were struggling to blend our families and felt like we were failing as a couple. Nacho Kids Academy gave us practical tools to manage our roles, communicate better, and reduce the stress in our home. Now, we feel like we’re finally thriving as a team." — David and Lauren P., Married 4 years

 

In this heartwarming and humorous episode of NK Podcast Shared, host Lori is joined by the insightful Laura Petherbridge, also known as "The Smart Stepmom." Join them as they navigate the complex dynamics of blended families during the holiday season. Lori humorously reflects on how blended family experiences have contributed to her gray hair and general aging, even joking about needing a plastic surgeon who offers discounts for stepmoms. Together, they delve into the significance of self-care, the value of laughter, and the importance of maintaining realistic expectations to manage stress and disappointment.

Whether discussing the intricacies of gift-giving, the emotional impact of holiday music, or the critical need to prioritize real-life connections over social media, Lori and Laura offer practical advice sprinkled with wit and wisdom. They also address the persistent challenges faced by stepfamilies, from navigating holiday schedules to maintaining fairness among children. Tune in and discover why, as Lori puts it, "Life is good. When you nacho."

In this episode, we discuss:

• Self-care and Managing Stress

• Fairness in Gift-Giving

• Managing Blended Family Holiday Schedules

• Handling Emotional Triggers and Nostalgia

• Holiday Considerations 

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“Stepping Back Was the Best Thing I Did”

"I thought I needed to parent my stepkids for our family to work, but it only caused fights and stress. Nacho Kids taught me that stepping back doesn’t mean not caring—it means creating healthier relationships. Now, I focus on being a supportive partner, and my relationship with my stepkids has actually improved!"

— Michelle H., Stepmom of 2

 

Welcome to episode 286 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, where Lori dives deep into the unique challenges and triumphs of blended families. In today's episode, we welcome back Becky for her second appearance, where she shares her emotional journey navigating life as a stepmother. From handling misunderstandings and intense discussions on their Facebook page to setting household boundaries and dealing with ex-spouse conflicts, Becky opens up about the complexities of her situation. We'll also explore Becky's strategies for promoting responsibility in her neurodiverse stepchildren and finding harmony within her blended family. Grab your headphones and join us as we uncover the real-life experiences, insights, and heartwarming moments that make the Nacho Kids approach a lifeline for so many. And, as always, remember—life is good when you embrace the Nacho way.

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Respectful Parallel Parenting
• Challenges of Blended Family Dynamics
• Complexities of Joint Family Events
• Managing Conflicts and Boundaries with the ex
• The Concept of Control and Stepparent Dynamics

Nacho Testimonial:

“A Game-Changer for Our Family” "I was constantly caught in the middle between my kids and my wife, which was exhausting for all of us. The Nacho Parenting Method gave me the tools to take the lead as a parent and let my wife step back. It’s made our home so much more peaceful, and I’ve become closer to my kids in the process." — Tom L., Father of 2

 

 

Welcome to the NK Podcast Shared! In episode 285, Lori sits down with Becky, a stepmom navigating the intricacies of her second blended family. Lori and Becky delve into the challenges and emotional landscape of co-parenting with a partner's ex-spouse, particularly when negative influences and controlling behaviors emerge. They explore meaningful strategies for establishing healthy boundaries, maintaining positive interactions with stepchildren, and prioritizing the well-being of the family unit amidst turmoil.

Listen in as Becky candidly shares her journey through past relationships marked by infidelity and deceit, the adjustments faced blending families, and her commitment to staying supportive yet respectfully detached. Discover how Becky navigates her roles while ensuring that her contributions bolster the child's environment positively. This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone dealing with complex family dynamics, emphasizing the significance of boundaries, communication, and prioritizing relationship health.

Stay tuned to hear more about Becky’s path to rediscovering her sense of self, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining stability in a blended family setting. Plus, don’t miss the details on our upcoming meet and greet in Scottsdale, Arizona, on December 7th. Join us for an enlightening conversation you won’t want to miss!

In this episode we discuss: 

• Reluctance to marry
• Past relationships and trust issues
• Communication and Boundaries
• When bio mom bashes stepmom to the kids

Nacho Kids Testimonial:

“A Must for Every Stepparent” "I didn’t know how to set boundaries with my stepkids or how to communicate effectively with my partner about it. Nacho Kids Academy taught me how to do both in ways that have improved our household dynamics. I recommend this to every stepparent who is struggling to find their place without overstepping!" — Melanie G., Academy member for 6 months

 

Welcome to NK Podcast Shared, Episode 284! In today's episode, host Lori sits down with guest Brian Peterson to dive deep into the financial intricacies of blended families. Brian, with over 16 years of experience in financial planning and a personal background in blended family dynamics, offers invaluable insights into managing finances. They discuss the advantages of placing land in trusts, the importance of financial transparency, and strategies to handle the complex finances of blended families. Lori shares personal anecdotes about maintaining financial independence and the emotional challenges that accompany it, while Brian shares his journey from military service to financial planning, and the unique financial solutions his firm offers to blended families. Don't miss out on their candid conversation about maintaining family bonds, balancing financial responsibilities, and navigating the emotional landscapes of loss and new beginnings. Plus, Lori has a special invitation for listeners in Scottsdale, Arizona—you won't want to miss it. So, tune in and learn how to make "Life good when you nacho"!

 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Blended Families and Finances
• Financial Arrangements in Relationships
• Financial Independence
• Financial Communication
• Financial and Family Planning Tools

 

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“My sister-in-law told me about Nacho at a family reunion. She saw me trying to help the stepkids and the attitudes they gave me, and then the resulting stress it caused me. She simply said, “I heard about this Nacho thing for stepparents. Check it out. It might help you.” I am so thankful I did! And I decided to join the Academy because what better way to learn about it. I am still in shock of how this changed our family! Everyone is much more at peace and I’m finally happy after seven years of stepfamily misery!” A.Q.

 

Welcome back to NK Podcast Shared! In today's episode, host Lori delves into a vital discussion on the increasing role of mediation and technology in reducing the stress of parental disputes during divorce and separation. Joined by our expert guest, they explore the importance of keeping children's best interests at heart while navigating the complexities of family law.

We'll highlight the growing trend of parents opting for out-of-court conflict resolution, the challenges faced by those representing themselves due to financial constraints, and the critical need for judges to acknowledge personal aspects of each case beyond mere attorney interactions.

Much of our conversation focuses on "Our Family Wizard," an app designed to streamline co-parenting communication. We'll examine its plethora of features, from unalterable messaging to expense management and audio/video calls, all aimed at reducing misunderstandings and fostering cooperative co-parenting. Lori reflects on her personal experience, sharing anecdotes about how improvements in communication tools could have eased her past co-parenting struggles.

Additionally, we touch on legal complexities, the importance of clear court orders, and practical communication techniques like the BIFF method to handle high-conflict situations effectively. Whether you're a parent going through a separation or interested in family law, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips to navigate these challenging waters. Tune in to discover how innovation and empathy can transform co-parenting and reduce litigation stress.

In this episode, we discuss:

• "Our Family Wizard" App
• Communication in Co-Parenting
• Legal Documentation and Order Writing
• Technology in Legal Agreements

Nacho Success Story:

“The Support I Didn’t Know I Needed” "I wasn’t sure if Nacho Kids Academy was for me, but it ended up being exactly what I needed. The guided content gave me practical steps to take, and the group calls offered a place to share and get advice. It’s made me a better husband and father, and I feel more confident in my role as a stepdad." — Jason H

 

Welcome to Episode 282 of NK Podcast! In this insightful episode, hosts David and Lori are joined by returning guest Mikel Van Cleve, a certified financial planner with a focus on blended family dynamics.  Mikel was previously on episode 273 where he discussed his blended family experience. Today, we delve deep into the intricacies of estate planning, financial transparency, and the unique challenges faced by blended families.

Mikel shares his expert advice on finding qualified estate attorneys and financial planners who truly understand the complexities involved. 

We'll explore topics such as the importance of having clear estate documents, preventing unintentional disinheritance, the emotional sensitivities in blended families, and practical tips for managing joint and separate finances. Mikel also touches on his ongoing research into financial infidelity and wealth transfer within blended families, offering listeners credible resources for further guidance.

Lastly, join Lori and David as they announce their upcoming visit to Scottsdale, Arizona, and invite listeners to connect with them. With humor and valuable insights, this episode aims to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the financial and emotional terrain of blended families. Don't miss out!

 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Importance of using a financial planner with blended family experience

• Discussions to have with your partner sooner rather than later

• What’s fair/equal

• Communication is key

• Updating estate documents 

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“Helped Me Understand My Role as a Stepfather”

"Being a stepfather is tough, especially when you're trying to figure out where you fit in. Nacho Kids Academy helped me understand my role and gave me the tools to communicate better with my wife and her kids. It’s been a huge help in reducing the stress in our family and strengthening my relationship with my wife."

— David K., Stepfather of 2

 

Welcome to episode 281 of the NK Podcast Shared! In today's episode, hosts David and Lori take us on an introspective journey as they reflect on their complex and often tumultuous path of blending their family. From personal stories about negotiating relationships with stepchildren, coping with emotional and physical health crises, and the innovative concept of "Nachoing," they reveal the raw, real side of navigating blended family dynamics. They recount their own experiences, from the optimism at the start of their marriage to the breaking points that almost led them to divorce, and how they found hope and healing through intentional disengagement and personal growth.

In this episode we discuss:

• How Nacho Kids came about
• Stepfamily struggles
• Finding hope in darkness
• Self-development

Nacho Parenting Success Story:

"I am so thankful I found this before we got married. It helped us so much with addressing issues that we never would have thought of. It helped us identify our expectations of each other and expectations of our roles in the blend. We are eternally grateful for Nacho Parenting and the Nacho Kids Academy! " ~ S.D.

Welcome back to the NK Podcast Shared! In today's episode, Lori is joined by returning guest Keri to dive deep into the complexities of modern family dynamics, focusing on blended families. Lori starts by sharing her feelings about having a different last name from her son, Jackson, and the emotional weight it carries. Keri opens up about her joy in changing her name after marriage for family unity, and they explore the evolving perspectives on last names and identity.

The conversation also tackles the challenging dynamics that come with being a step-parent, highlighting Keri's experiences and insights. Together, they discuss the emotional rollercoasters, the importance of communication, and the delicate balance of fairness between biological children and stepchildren. Keri reflects on her own childhood with separated parents, revealing how her upbringing shaped her current parenting style.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Being an ours kid
• When parents reconcile
• Challenges of a split family

Nacho Parenting Success Story: "My sister told me about Nacho Kids when I told her how I hated my stepfamily life. She actually paid for me to join the Academy for a year. I am so thankful she did this. I am finally happy in my blend and know how to navigate the challenges we face, thanks to Nacho!!" ~ E.W.