On this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori welcomes Daryl Potter, a Canadian banker and published author, for a conversation that takes us far beyond the typical stepfamily story. Daryl isn’t a member of a blended family himself, but his experience raising a child with two extremely rare medical conditions has given him a unique perspective on navigating “irregular” family dynamics and finding beauty in unexpected places.

Daryl opens up about his 28-year marriage, the cultural mosaic of his household, and the challenges and profound blessings of caring for his daughter, who is the only person in the world with her combination of diagnoses. He shares how his family has had to rewrite the script on everything from holidays to family vacations, and how his son has learned life skills and empathy far beyond his years.

Throughout the episode, Daryl and Lori delve into themes of grief, acceptance, reframing success, and the importance of not comparing pain, reminding us that everyone’s journey holds its own weight, no matter how “broken” it may appear from the outside. Daryl’s story is a powerful reminder that, whether you’re in a stepfamily or not, every family must find its own version of normal and discover joy, purpose, and connection along the way.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Coping with and Managing a Severely Disabled Child
• Grief and Adapting to a "broken" or Non-traditional Family
• Impact on Siblings: The "Leftover" Dynamic
• Finding Meaning and Perspective in Suffering and Difference
• Key Advice for Parents Facing Disability or Blended Family Challenges

Nacho Parenting Success Stories:

“The biggest surprise? The kids are actually happier now. I stepped back, let go of the pressure, and our entire home changed for the better.” ~ S.C., California, USA