374: Back To School In The Blend

374: Back To School In The Blend

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims August 1, 2026 Duration: 30:12

In this episode, the Nacho Kids team discusses the upcoming release of the Nacho Kids book, available for Kindle pre-order and set to launch on September 16th - Stepfamily Day. The hosts highlight a moving story from their Nacho group about a stepparent who transformed her relationship with her stepkids using the Nacho Method, underscoring the importance of putting knowledge into action.

The conversation shifts to back-to-school season, addressing evolving school calendars, the challenges of co-parenting school responsibilities, financial dilemmas around school supplies, and differences in approach between households. The hosts touch on using educational technology and AI to help students, the wisdom of managing stepkid struggles with schoolwork, and boundaries for stepparents.

They candidly discuss when to let kids take responsibility for their school success, the consequences of over-involvement, and the extra challenges of co-parenting on alternating schedules. The episode closes with a serious reminder about online safety in light of the anniversary of Gavin Guffey's death, encouraging parents and stepparents to maintain open, judgment-free communication and serve as a safe haven for all kids.

  • New Nacho Kids book launch details and preorders

  • Success story from the Nacho Kids group

  • Putting the Nacho Method into action

  • Changes in school calendars and year-round schedules

  • Navigating school supply expenses and co-parenting challenges

  • The role of educational technology and AI in supporting student learning

  • Boundaries for stepparents in helping with schoolwork

  • Age-appropriate responsibility: letting kids experience natural consequences

  • Parenting differences and the cycle of alternating households on school performance

  • Online safety, social media risks, and the importance of open conversations

  • How stepparents can be a safe, judgment-free space for stepkids


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: 50

The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver
Podcast Episodes
380: Stepsibling Relationships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:08
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David discuss the challenges and benefits of stepsibling relationships in blended families. They share personal experiences navigating concerns about stepkids being a "…
379: What You Focus On Will Grow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:48
In this episode, Lori and David Sims discuss the powerful principle that "what you focus on will grow," especially within blended families. Through candid and humorous anecdotes, ranging from household chores to navigati…
378: Co-sleeping With Stepkids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:52
In this episode, we discuss the sensitive topic of cosleeping with stepkids in blended families. A key theme that emerged was the differing comfort levels and emotional reactions between bio parents and stepparents regar…
377: Watch How You Say It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:04
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David discuss communication challenges between stepparents and bio parents, especially regarding parenting decisions and stepkids. The hosts share personal anecdotes ab…
376: Birthdays, Blended Style [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:13
On this podcast, we discuss the challenges and humorous realities of planning family events in a blended and extended family setting. A key theme that emerged was the complexity of scheduling birthdays and gatherings to…
375: Family Law Strategies With Jasmine Hernandez Esq [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:31
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, family law attorney Jasmine Hernandez shares her extensive experience from over a decade practicing in New York, specializing in representing children in family court. Jasmine c…
373: Don't Give Up! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:03
In this episode, Lori and David share an inspiring success story from their Facebook group, highlighting how the Nacho Kids method helped transform a strained stepmom-stepdaughter relationship into a loving bond resultin…
372: Building Trust & Security in Blended Families | Dr. Marcus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:42
In this episode, we discuss the complexities of blended families, emphasizing the unique challenges stepfamilies face compared to nuclear families. One concept discussed was the pressure for stepfamilies to function like…
371: Double Standards In The Blend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:23
Lori and David dive into the unique challenges stepparents face in expressing honest feelings, especially compared to what's acceptable for biological parents. They share how phrases like "I need a break from my stepkids…
370: Leaving the Stepkids Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David discuss a dilemma from their Facebook group about whether to include a troubled stepchild in a previously planned family cruise. The conversation explores the emo…