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.

Welcome back to the Nacho Kids Podcast! In this enlightening episode, hosts David and Lori dive deep into the complexities of blended family dynamics just in time for the holiday season. Tune in as they share insights on upcoming events like the 5th Annual Step Family Summit with Claudette Chenevert and the release of exciting challenges such as the Nacho Guided "Change Your Stinking Thinking" Challenge, and a special opportunity for our podcast listeners.

Lori and David discuss navigating family gatherings, the intricacies of gift-giving, and managing expectations within stepfamilies. They share practical tips on handling holiday schedules and ensuring no one feels left out, even in financially tight situations. Plus, they address the emotional challenges children in blended families face and emphasize the importance of equipping them with resilience tools.

Don't forget to check out the Nacho Kids Academy for resources to improve your blended family relationships. Join us for an episode packed with valuable advice and heartwarming stories, and remember—life is good when you Nacho!

In this episode, we discuss:

• General Challenges of Holidays in Blended Families

• Rotating Schedules

• Gift Giving in Blended Families

• Grandparents and Fixed Incomes

• Balancing Fairness and Realistic Expectations

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“I wish I would have signed up for one-on-one coaching with Lori sooner. I’ve been going to therapy for years because of the blended challenges. My most recent therapist relocated and only has in-person meetings, so I decided I’d see what the Nacho people had to offer while trying to find a new therapist. In just one hour with Lori, just one, and I learned more than I had learned in two years from my therapist! I’m still in shock! Thank you, Lori, you are the best!” ~ B.A.

Welcome to Episode 273 of the NK Podcast, "Nacho Parenting Really Works!" Today, Lori dives into the fascinating dynamics of blended families with her special guest, Mikel Van Cleve, a certified financial planner with a unique personal story. Mikel opens up about embarking on a whirlwind romance that led to marriage just three months later. We explore their challenges with differing parenting styles, their impact on their children, and the innovative Nacho Parenting technique that transformed their family life.

Join us as Michael shares the ups and downs of blending families, including feeling as if he had to choose between his wife and kid and the eventual reconciliation between his wife and daughter. We discuss the importance of modeling healthy relationships for children and the inherent favoritism towards biological kids.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Stepdaughter stepmom relationships

• Relationships within the blend

• Biological child goeing to live with the “other” biological parent

• Choosing between your partner and your kid

• Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting method for the win. Again!

Nacho Kids Academy Success Story:

“I joined the Nacho Academy after reading about it in the Atlantic magazine. My partner and I were about to split up because of the kids. I watched one of the video courses in the Academy and told my partner she had to watch it! I was so excited!! After she watched it, we agreed that we would give this crazy Nacho Parenting a shot. Life is so much better in only two months! We still have much to learn, but we are both hopeful about our relationship and future. We will forever love the creators of Nacho Parenting!” P.E.