In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with Jon Bassford, author of The Co-Parenting Secret: It's Not About You, to talk about what healthy co-parenting really looks like, and why most families are unknowingly doing it wrong.

Jon shares his personal journey as a child of divorce, a father navigating two households, and a co-parent who intentionally chose cooperation over conflict. Together, they explore the realities of dual parenting vs. true co-parenting, the emotional toll high-conflict dynamics place on children, and how ego, resentment, and unresolved hurt often derail what's best for kids.

This conversation covers:

• Why "co-parenting" often isn't co-parenting at all
• The difference between parallel parenting and collaborative parenting
• How childhood divorce experiences shape adult parenting decisions
• Why keeping the focus on the child changes everything
• The power of accountability instead of blame
• How healthy communication models emotional intelligence for kids
• Creating a functional "village" even after divorce
• Why showing up matters more than perfection
• How to reduce transitions, meltdowns, and emotional overload for children

Jon also explains how he and his ex-wife rebuilt their post-divorce relationship with intentionality, including maintaining respectful communication, consistent parenting standards across households, and involving extended family as part of a unified support system.

This episode is a must-listen for:

✔ Stepparents feeling overwhelmed or sidelined
✔ Divorced parents struggling with communication
✔ Parents navigating 50/50 custody schedules
✔ High-conflict co-parenting situations
✔ Anyone wanting to protect their child's emotional health

If you've ever wondered whether peaceful co-parenting is truly possible, this episode proves that it is.

Because when parenting becomes about the child instead of the adults…

everything changes.

• The Co-Parenting Secret: It's Not About You — Jon Bassford
• Website: jonbassford.com

The Nacho Kids Podcast is dedicated to supporting stepparents and blended families through real conversations, real stories, and real solutions — all grounded in the proven Nacho Kids Method.

Life really is better… when you Nacho.

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