352: Apartnering Because Of Stepkid

352: Apartnering Because Of Stepkid

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims February 27, 2026 Duration: 1:00:05

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

The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver
Podcast Episodes
269: Billie Tarascio ~ Modern Law [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:07
In this episode, Lori and David talk to family law attorney Billie Tarascio of Modern Law. Billie supports the Nacho method and discusses some family court issues. In this episode, we discuss the following: Nacho Kids Fa…
268: Perception Is Not Reality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:43
In this episode, Lori and David talk to two of David's kids about them moving back home after the military, Yoo Hoo gate, and how they viewed things as stepkids. In this episode, we discuss the following: Rebounding step…
267: When Will The Stepparent Love My Kid Like Their Own [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:32
Welcome back to the Nacho Kids Podcast, Episode 267. Today, Lori, David, and our iconic Nacho Intro Lady dive into the challenges of stepfamilies, starting with the important question: "When will my partner love my kid l…
266: Lori & David Answer Nacho Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:29
In this episode, Lori and David answer questions submitted by followers. These questions are based solely on the question without having any details of the person's dynamics. In this episode, we discuss the following: Ho…
265: Struggling Stepdad Needs Nacho [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:19
In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talks to Stepdad Sean. Sean has been blending for over two years. His biological kids are no longer at home, and he has three stepsons who all live in the hou…
264: Krista St. Germain ~ Navigating Grief In Blended Families [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:31
In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, speaks with Krista St-Germain about navigating grief as a stepparent. As a widow, stepkid, and stepparent, Krista shares her journey and wisdom. Her stepdad s…
263: Rachel King ~ Family Law Attorney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:53
In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, speaks with family law attorney Rachel King. Rachel has been practicing family law for over 10 years. Her parents divorced when she was very young. Rachel sha…
262: "Every Other Weekend" ~ Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mohr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:35
In this episode, Lori, founder of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talks to Anthony J. Mohr. Anthony's father, Gerald Mohr, was a well-known radio actor before slipping to the Hollywood B-list thanks to the advent of televisi…
261: Interview With Lisa Johnson ~ Author of "Been There Got Out" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:48
In this episode, Lori and David Sims, founders of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting, talk to Lisa Johnson. Lisa is co-author, along with her partner Chris Barry, of "Been There Got Out." Like Lori and David, Lisa and Chris use…

«1...678910