Welcome to NK Podcast 277, where we dive deep into the complexities of blended families, co-parenting, and everything in between. In today's episode, Lori has the pleasure of speaking with esteemed guest Bradley S Craig, a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Family Life Educator, known for his insightful book Between 2 Homes. Today’s conversation ranges from the nuanced roles of stepparents to the intricacies of custody modifications, all the way through effective co-parenting techniques and the societal impact of blended family dynamics. This interview was so full of information we had to split it up into two parts!

We explore the often misunderstood influence of stepmoms, the implications of custody change requests post-remarriage, and the significance of terminology with terms like "bonus mom" and "nesting." Bradley shares his wisdom on maintaining consistent family dynamics, avoiding common pitfalls in high-conflict co-parenting situations, and adopting a professional mindset for better child welfare.

We'll also discuss practical tools like the "Our Family Wizard" app, the pressures societal norms place on stepfamilies, and Bradley’s recommendations for effective co-parent communication.

This is not just a theoretical discussion; Bradley also brings in his personal experiences and professional insights, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of blended families.

Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation that offers valuable strategies, empathy, and a fresh perspective on stepfamily complexities.

Let's dive in!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Stepmom Influence

• Trust and Boundaries

• Court System and Legal Procedures

• Parenting Facilitators

• Business Mindset in Co-parenting

• Terms and Perceptions

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“I have never seen anyone care so much about helping others. Lori goes above and beyond for her clients. You can tell she and David both do this to truly help others. They are a blessing to the world of stepparents!” ~ K.H.

Welcome to Episode 276 of the Nacho Kids Podcast! In this episode, hosts David and Lori discuss some of the complexities of stepfamily dynamics with special guests Will and his stepmom Jo. Jo, who has no biological children and has been in a relationship with Will’s father for four years. They explore Will’s transition from living with his mother to moving full-time with his father and Jo, discussing how responsibilities and structure have positively impacted his life. Will opens up about the emotional challenges he faced, including dealing with depression and adjusting to new household routines.

We’ll also delve into Jo’s role in Will’s life, how cool of a stepmum she is, and the importance of building trust and friendship between stepparents and stepchildren. Jo and Will share a story of being blessed to have each other in their lives.

This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, practical advice, and relatable experiences that provide valuable insights into stepfamily relationships. Whether you're part of a stepfamily or just interested in family dynamics, you’ll find something meaningful in today’s conversation. So sit back, relax, and join us for a candid discussion on navigating life in a blended family!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Adjusting to New Living Arrangements

• Building Trust and Friendship

• Influence of a Stepparent:

• Stepfamily Challenges and Integration

• Celebrating Milestones

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“As a family court attorney, I have had several of my client’s partners, who are stepparents, of course, mention Nacho Parenting over the past several months. Being curious about this method, I decided to look into it. I read the blogs but wanted to know more about these people and what they were teaching people. After reviewing the content, I’m convinced the family court system should mandate a class on the Nacho method!” ~ W.O.

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast! This is Episode 275, and we have a jam-packed show for you today. I'm your host, David, and as always, I'm joined by the wonderful Lori. We have some thrilling updates and announcements and an insightful conversation about expectations in blended families.

We'll kick things off with our upcoming events—starting with a meet and greet in Denver, Colorado. If you're in the area, don't miss this chance to connect with us! Plus, we have a podcast review contest running until the end of September, where you can win a $100 Amazon gift card. And don't forget about the 5th annual Step Family Summit from September 11th to 13th, hosted by Claudette Chenover, and our very first guided "Change Your Stinking Thinking Challenge."

In this episode, Lori and I will be diving deep into the complexities of expectations within blended families—from unspoken assumptions to the importance of clear communication. We'll share our personal experiences, challenges, and the valuable lessons we've learned along the way. And of course, we'll also touch on some lighter moments, like David's ongoing battle with the Amazon delivery driver.

So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the highs and lows of blending families and managing expectations. Let's get into it!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Scope and Importance of Expectations

• Personal Experiences and Misconceptions

• Household and Parental Roles

• Expectations of Family Dynamics

• Disciplinary Expectations

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“My husband and I used to make fun of the Nacho method. We thought it was stupid. The name, the principals behind it, everything. One day we were fighting about his kids and he told me I needed to Nacho. I looked at him like he was crazy. He told me we could join the Academy together and try it for thirty days to see if it helps with the stress in the blend. I agreed to try and I can not explain to you the difference it made in our lives! We are staying in the Academy a while longer to digest more of the content and get more tools to help us. This stepfamily stuff is hard and Lori and David make it a lot less traumatizing.” ~ M.M.