354: Stepkids Don't Disappear at 18

354: Stepkids Don't Disappear at 18

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims March 13, 2026 Duration: 28:55

Ready for some laughs, real-life blended family moments, and practical advice? In Episode NKP354 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David go deep on navigating relationships with adult stepkids - messy bathrooms, emptied fridges, and all!

Tune in to hear Lori recount a jaw-dropping real-life story from a Nacho Kids Academy member who returned home to a ransacked kitchen and disaster-zone bathrooms after leaving her adult stepkids in charge. David and Lori unpack what to do (and NOT do) when your adult stepkids act more like kids than adults, and how applying Nacho parenting strategies can save your sanity, and your marriage. You'll learn the difference between stepping in and stepping back, how to address stepkid messes without drama, and why your words (and tone!) matter more than you think.

This episode also dives into the long game: how today's choices affect future relationships with your partner, stepkids, and even step-grandkids. Plus, hear tips for emotional regulation, clear communication, and picking your battles so minor annoyances don't become major rifts.

Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, or join the Nacho Kids Academy for more tools to make your blend less stressful and more joyful!

Follow Nacho Kids:
Website: nachokids.com


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
329: Mindful Marriage With Ron and Nan Deal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:24
In this heartfelt and candid episode, Lori and David sit down with Ron and Nan Deal to discuss their new book, "The Mindful Marriage." The conversation dives deep into the real-life struggles and breakthroughs the Deals…
328: Don't Have Conversations When You Are... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:36
Feeling tired, hangry, or just out of sorts? This week on the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive into how emotions like hunger, anger, loneliness, and exhaustion can derail crucial conversations in blended fam…
327: Stepmom Says Just To Shut Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:01
Struggling with the challenges of blending families? Discover practical ways to set healthy boundaries and rediscover yourself in stepfamily life! In Episode NKP327 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori welcomes Heather,…
326: Guilty Parent Syndrome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:22
Struggling to understand why your partner "guilty parents", or noticing it in yourself? This episode dives deep into what "Guilty Parent Syndrome" (GPS) is, why it's so common in blended families, and how partners can na…
325: One Stepkid's Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:52
Discover what happens when a blended family actually flourishes. Yes, it's possible! In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with a remarkable teenage stepkid who shares his rare, positive perspective o…
324: When The Stepkids Lie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:43
Laugh your way through the ups and downs of blended family life in Episode 324 of the Nacho Kids Podcast! Hosts David and Lori bring their signature humor and honesty to a fresh discussion about the realities of stepfami…
323: Emotional Regulation With Michaela Bucchianeri [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:40
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori welcomes back Michaela Bucchianeri to explore emotional regulation, a crucial skill for every stepmom and stepfamily member. Michaela breaks down the myth that emotion…
322: Don't Get Divorced Over Dirty Dishes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:26
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive into the everyday challenges stepparents face, using real-life examples from their blended family. From disputes over GPS navigation and vacuum cleaner…
321: One Big Happy Family ~ Stepmom and Bio Mom are Friends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:47
In this insightful episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori sits down with a unique duo - a biomom and stepmom who have successfully navigated the challenges of a blended family to become good friends. With over 11 y…
320: Send Those Kids Back to School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:08
Navigating back-to-school season in a blended family? 🎒 In this Nacho Kids podcast episode, hosts Lori and David dive deep into the real-life challenges and lessons learned when sharing school supply costs, managing home…