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 families - and what to do about it.

In this candid and witty episode, Lori and David unpack the HALT method (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), sharing personal stories and practical tips for recognizing when you're not in the right headspace for tough talks with your partner or stepkids. You'll learn why it's so important to hit pause on those "serious" discussions when emotions are running high, how quick wit and sarcasm can be double-edged swords, and why self-awareness and communication are crucial for stepfamily harmony. Plus, Lori gets real about her bandwidth, menopause mood swings, and the importance of being kind - even when family members aren’t!

Listeners will walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of how emotions affect stepfamily dynamics

• Concrete tips for using the HALT method before crucial conversations

• Relatable humor, self-reflection, and the importance of knowing your limits

Don’t forget to visit nachokids.com for more resources, and follow Nacho Kids on Facebook and Instagram.

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, a stepmom navigating her first year in the blending trenches. Heather opens up about her journey from confident “super stepmom” to being overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations - especially around food, household chores, and parenting differences. She shares how discovering the Nacho Kids approach helped her step back, reduce resentment, repair relationships, and reclaim her joy.

Listeners will learn:

• Why even experienced parents can feel blindsided by blending families

• How the pressure to be a perfect stepmom creates unnecessary stress

• The transformative power of “nachoing”—letting go, stepping back, and focusing on your role as a supportive partner rather than a replacement parent

• Strategies for addressing common stepfamily struggles, like different household routines and conflicting parenting styles

• The importance of self-care, healthy communication, and seeing situations from the stepchild’s perspective

Heather’s story is relatable, candid, and full of “aha!” moments for anyone in a blended family. Whether you’re a new stepparent or a veteran, this conversation will inspire you to find more peace in your home.

Listen now and remember: Life is good when you Nacho!

Nacho Kids Testimonial:

My stepdaughter still ignores me, and I’m fine. That’s the Nacho shift. ~ H.P., New York, NY, USA

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 navigate it with empathy and confidence.

In Episode #326 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David get real about guilty parent syndrome: when guilt affects how parents discipline or interact with their kids, often leading to inconsistent boundaries, indulgence, or fear of “losing” time or connection.

Lori and David share their personal experiences of “parenting through guilt,” offer practical scenarios from stepfamily life (like inconsistent discipline or “guilty gift-giving”), and explain why this isn’t just a stepfamily phenomenon. They break down why GPS can hit bio-parents so hard and why stepparents, especially those without children, may have trouble truly “getting it.” You’ll learn why empathy, communication, and realistic expectations are essential for healthier co-parenting and happier homes.

Want to go deeper? Check out Nacho Kids resources, join the Nacho Kids Academy, or connect on social media.