361: Keep The Target Off Your Back

361: Keep The Target Off Your Back

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims May 1, 2026 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 "target off your back" as a stepparent, sharing strategies for maintaining household harmony and reducing stress, like letting dad handle his child's plate or calmly informing the bio parent about the contraband instead of taking action yourself. The hosts get candid about how small moments can trigger deeper frustrations and how most conflicts fade with time.

In this episode:

  • Tips for reducing daily stress as a stepmom or stepdad

  • Why "nachoing" can lead to better stepfamily relationships

  • Creative ways to share responsibility with your partner

  • Pros and cons of handling stepkid secrets and discipline

  • The long-term perspective: laughing about today's drama years down the road

  • Heartwarming and hilarious stories from the hosts' own experiences, including the joys of being a supportive step-parent and the misadventures of parenting


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
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…
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…
356: Who Pays For College In A Stepfamily [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:59
Curious how blended families navigate the tricky question of paying for college? Lori and David tackle financial planning, family dynamics, and the reality of college costs in stepfamilies with honesty and humor. In this…
355: Family Court Don'ts ~ Whitney Antoniono Family Law Attorney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:14
Struggling with family court drama or high-conflict co-parenting? In this eye-opening episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori sits down with seasoned family law attorney Whitney Antoniono to reveal the common mistak…
354: Stepkids Don't Disappear at 18 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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, emptie…
353: Don't Do This & Big Announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:59
Ready for some real talk about stepfamily life? In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive into the hot topic of whether stepkids should be pushed to move out at 18, and why the answer is rarely…