352: Apartnering Because Of Stepkid

352: Apartnering Because Of Stepkid

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims February 27, 2026 Duration: 1:00:05
The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver
KidsKids & FamilyCultureFamilyParentingRelationshipsSocietySociety & Culture

Get ready for a powerful and deeply honest conversation in Nacho Kids Podcast Episode 352!

This week, our returning guest Laura, a stepmom from Oklahoma, shares her emotional journey navigating difficult stepfamily dynamics, personal boundaries, and the realities of "apartnership" - staying married while living separately.

Tune in to hear Laura provide a raw behind-the-scenes look at what led her and her husband to start living apart, including challenges with her teenage stepson, navigating sensitive situations, and the struggle for support and understanding in her marriage. Lori dives deep, asking the tough questions about why Laura chose to stay and work on her marriage despite major obstacles, and together, they discuss how stepfamily life creates unique struggles and growth opportunities.

Listeners will gain insights into:

  • The complexities of stepfamily relationships and boundaries

  • How personal safety, mental health, and resentment play roles in blended family life

  • Why living apart can sometimes bring clarity and healing

  • The importance of communication, therapy, letting go of control, and self-care

  • How to avoid the comparison trap when it comes to other stepfamilies

Don't miss Laura's candid takeaways and tips for struggling stepmoms, along with relatable, real-life confessions from the host, Lori. This episode is a valuable listen for anyone in a blended family or considering alternative ways to nurture their relationship.


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

Official website RSS
instagramyoutubespotify
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…

12345...10»