296: 3 Things To NOT Do As A Stepparent

296: 3 Things To NOT Do As A Stepparent

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims January 31, 2025 Duration: 16:24

Join hosts Lori and David as they share three very important tips for the stepparent! Listen as they dive into essential strategies for creating a harmonious stepfamily environment. Lori and David discuss the common pitfalls stepparents might be falling into without even realizing it. They explore three crucial behaviors to avoid if you're looking to reduce stress and build stronger relationships within your blended family. From understanding the implications of negative comments about the stepkids to recognizing the importance of not taking things personally and knowing when to step back from disciplining your stepchildren, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of step-parenting and foster a peaceful, loving home.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Tit-for-tat behavior
  • Avoiding negative comments to family members
  • Adulting versus parenting
  • Expectations

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

Childless Stepdad

"I thought stepping in as a father figure was what my stepkids needed. Instead, it caused tension between me and my wife, and the kids resented me. Nacho Kids Academy helped me see that I was overstepping. Once I let go of trying to parent, my relationship with my wife improved, and the kids actually warmed up to me over time. Now, we get along naturally without me feeling like an outsider or a disciplinarian. We enjoy being around each other now!" - Mark D.  "Proud Nacho Stepdad"


Navigating the complexities of a stepfamily can feel like an isolating journey, but it doesn’t have to be. The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver offers a genuine conversation for anyone in the thick of it, hosted by Lori and David Sims. As founders of Nacho Kids and experienced blended family coaches themselves, they bring both personal insight and professional guidance to each episode. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s real talk about the daily struggles, from co-parenting tensions and sibling dynamics to maintaining your own relationship sanity. You’ll hear from the hosts and their guests as they share candid stories of both setbacks and hard-won successes, creating a sense of community. At the heart of this podcast is the practical, life-changing framework of the Nacho Kids Method, which provides tangible strategies for saving relationships and building a peaceful home. Tune in for honest discussions that replace judgment with support, offering the tools and reassurance needed to thrive in your blended family life. Each conversation is designed to make you feel understood and equipped, turning overwhelming challenges into manageable steps forward.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver
Podcast Episodes
366: Loss, Reconciliation, and Growth in the blend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:51
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…
365: The Second Time Around [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:52
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 Jas…
363: How Did We Get Here? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:22
** Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of addiction, overdosing, and alleged inappropriate touching between a stepparent and stepchild ** In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with longtime f…
362: Comparison Will Make You Miserable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:28
Comparisons are the Thief of Joy—But What About in Blended Families? In episode NKP362 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David dive deep into the pitfalls of comparison, especially when it comes to blended families, ki…
361: Keep The Target Off Your Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:42
In this episode, Lori and David dig into real-life stepfamily scenarios from handling dinnertime food drama with stepkids, to discovering vapes hidden in a teenager's room. They discuss the importance of keeping the "tar…
360: Stepmom Becomes Only Legal Parent to Stepdaughter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:17
In this heartfelt episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Valerie Mills shares her remarkable story of becoming a stepmom who ultimately adopted her stepdaughter, overcoming immense obstacles and heartbreak along the way. Lis…
358: Mother's Day Doesn't Have to Suck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:47
Mother's Day is almost here, and stepmoms everywhere are bracing for the rollercoaster of emotions that this Hallmark holiday can bring. In this honest, lighthearted episode, Lori & David break down the myths, expectatio…
357: Estate Planning In Stepfamilies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:31
Discover crucial insights into estate planning, divorce mediation, and the complexities of blended families in this heartfelt episode featuring attorney Tamara Arnold. Learn why preparing legal documents for life's unexp…