In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with Jon Bassford, author of The Co-Parenting Secret: It's Not About You, to talk about what healthy co-parenting really looks like, and why most families are unknowingly doing it wrong.
Jon shares his personal journey as a child of divorce, a father navigating two households, and a co-parent who intentionally chose cooperation over conflict. Together, they explore the realities of dual parenting vs. true co-parenting, the emotional toll high-conflict dynamics place on children, and how ego, resentment, and unresolved hurt often derail what's best for kids.
This conversation covers:
• Why "co-parenting" often isn't co-parenting at all
• The difference between parallel parenting and collaborative parenting
• How childhood divorce experiences shape adult parenting decisions
• Why keeping the focus on the child changes everything
• The power of accountability instead of blame
• How healthy communication models emotional intelligence for kids
• Creating a functional "village" even after divorce
• Why showing up matters more than perfection
• How to reduce transitions, meltdowns, and emotional overload for children
Jon also explains how he and his ex-wife rebuilt their post-divorce relationship with intentionality, including maintaining respectful communication, consistent parenting standards across households, and involving extended family as part of a unified support system.
This episode is a must-listen for:
✔ Stepparents feeling overwhelmed or sidelined
✔ Divorced parents struggling with communication
✔ Parents navigating 50/50 custody schedules
✔ High-conflict co-parenting situations
✔ Anyone wanting to protect their child's emotional health
If you've ever wondered whether peaceful co-parenting is truly possible, this episode proves that it is.
Because when parenting becomes about the child instead of the adults…
everything changes.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
• The Co-Parenting Secret: It's Not About You — Jon Bassford
• Website: jonbassford.com
🎧 About the Nacho Kids Podcast
The Nacho Kids Podcast is dedicated to supporting stepparents and blended families through real conversations, real stories, and real solutions — all grounded in the proven Nacho Kids Method.
Life really is better… when you Nacho.
stepfamily, stepparenting, blended family, co parenting, coparenting after divorce, parallel parenting, high conflict coparent, divorce parenting, shared custody, 50/50 custody, parenting after divorce, stepmom support, stepdad support, nacho kids, blended family podcast, co parenting communication, healthy coparenting, child centered parenting, divorced parents
