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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When an adult stepchild moves back home, many stepparents quickly realize that blending does not end at age 18, it simply enters a new phase.

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David talk candidly about what happens when adult children return home, sometimes with partners and young children in tow. What begins as a temporary plan to save money or regroup can quickly bring up anxiety, boundaries, and old blended-family challenges you thought were behind you.

They discuss the emotional and logistical realities of shared households, including working from home with more people present, managing noise and schedules, and navigating the difference between biological-parent tolerance and stepparent tolerance.

This conversation covers:

• Adult stepkids moving back in
• Why this stage can feel harder than early blending
• Anxiety and resentment many stepmoms experience
• Setting household expectations without creating conflict
• Communicating boundaries without sounding controlling
• Helping adult children without hurting your marriage
• Why step-parenting does not end when kids become adults

Many blended families are surprised to learn that step-parenting continues well into adulthood, especially in today's economy, where housing costs and living expenses make independence more difficult for young adults.

If you are navigating an adult stepchild moving back home, struggling with boundaries, or feeling overwhelmed by the impact on your marriage or peace, this episode offers an honest perspective and practical reassurance.

Helping does not have to mean sacrificing yourself.

Because life is good when you Nacho.

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When a stepchild hurts your partner, every instinct tells you to jump in and defend them, but that move often makes everything worse.

In this episode of The Nacho Kids Podcast, we unpack what really happens when step-parents step in too fast, how quickly alliances flip, and why trying to "fix" the moment can turn you into the problem.

We talk honestly about:

• Watching a stepchild disrespect or hurt your partner

• Why defending your partner can backfire

• How the target shifts from the behavior to you

• Why step-parents often feel more upset than the biological parent

• The danger of keeping score

• When stepping in can help and when stepping back is the healthiest move

This conversation isn't about bad kids or bad intentions. It's about understanding blended family dynamics, emotional triggers, and how to protect your relationship without escalating conflict.

Nacho isn't about disengaging emotionally.
It's about disengaging from what was never yours to fix.

If you're a step-parent trying to balance boundaries, connection, and peace, this episode will help you see the situation differently and respond with clarity instead of reaction.

Keywords: step parenting, blended families, step parent boundaries, co-parenting conflict, high conflict families, step parent burnout, Nacho Kids, family dynamics, emotional safety, marriage in blended families