364: Surviving Estrangement: What Parents and Stepparents Need to Know

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori talks with Katt Johnston, a mental health professional, educator, and content creator focused on family estrangement, emotional systems, and the impact of mental health culture on relationships. Kat shares her journey of becoming a leading voice in estrangement after a viral TikTok video, and dives deep into how therapy and societal trends can sometimes harm family relationships by over-validating discomfort rather than building resilience. Topics discussed: Nuances between genuine and manufactured discomfort leading to estrangement The devastating effects of parental alienation in stepfamilies The roles validation and social media play in conflict Advice for estranged parents and stepparents on how to cope, maintain boundaries, and support each other. The importance of pre-planning for blended family events Handling unequal treatment The need for better mental health ethics and court education on alienation. Listeners will gain insights on the importance of self-care for estranged parents, strategies to avoid further damage to family relationships, and how society and therapy culture may need to shift towards more balanced support and accountability. The episode concludes with information on Katt's coalition for ethical mental health standards and a reminder that stepfamily life, while challenging, can still be good when you nacho.

** Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of addiction, overdosing, and alleged inappropriate touching between a stepparent and stepchild ** In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with longtime friend Tabatha Hartman to discuss her challenging journey through grief, blending families, addiction, and parental alienation. Tabatha shares how her life changed after the loss of her ex-husband, the struggles her daughter endured, and the tough choices she faced as a mother and stepmom. The conversation delves into issues such as therapy for grieving children, navigating false allegations, maintaining boundaries, and building resilience amid chaos. Tabatha Hartman also talks about her memoir, "How Did We Get Here?", written to help others facing similar struggles. The episode offers raw, honest insight into coping with loss, healing family relationships, and the ongoing impact of addiction. In this episode, we discuss: Coping with the death of a co-parent and its effects on blended families Parenting through grief and supporting children after loss Legal battles and parental alienation within stepfamilies The impact of addiction and relapse on families Setting boundaries and making difficult decisions as a parent The journey of repairing and rebuilding fractured parent-child relationships The reality of false allegations and how to navigate them Writing as a tool for processing grief and trauma The ongoing effects of addiction and generational cycles How open communication and resilience can help families move forward

Comparisons are the Thief of Joy—But What About in Blended Families? In episode NKP362 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David dive deep into the pitfalls of comparison, especially when it comes to blended families, kids, and relationships. Listeners will hear personal stories from Lori about her son Jackson's academic achievements and the emotions that arise when comparing him to David's children. Together, Lori and David candidly discuss how easy it is to compare kids, relationships, and even possessions, leading to unnecessary feelings of inadequacy and frustration. They reveal their distinct perspectives on academic success, parenting expectations, and why it's crucial to focus on each person's unique strengths instead of measuring up to others. In this episode: Why comparison in blended families can be harmful How Lori and David navigate differences in their children's achievements The importance of recognizing individual strengths and backgrounds Why it's better to compare yourself only to the person you were yesterday If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at [email protected]. If you are struggling in your blend, or just want to better your blended relationships (including your relationship with your partner), join the Nacho Kids Academy at nachokidsacademy.com today! We offer one-on-one coaching and couples coaching. If you are interested, email us at [email protected] to check our availability.  

In this episode, Lori and David dig into real-life stepfamily scenarios from handling dinnertime food drama with stepkids, to discovering vapes hidden in a teenager's room. They discuss the importance of keeping the "target off your back" as a stepparent, sharing strategies for maintaining household harmony and reducing stress, like letting dad handle his child's plate or calmly informing the bio parent about the contraband instead of taking action yourself. The hosts get candid about how small moments can trigger deeper frustrations and how most conflicts fade with time. In this episode: Tips for reducing daily stress as a stepmom or stepdad Why "nachoing" can lead to better stepfamily relationships Creative ways to share responsibility with your partner Pros and cons of handling stepkid secrets and discipline The long-term perspective: laughing about today's drama years down the road Heartwarming and hilarious stories from the hosts' own experiences, including the joys of being a supportive step-parent and the misadventures of parenting

In this heartfelt episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Valerie Mills shares her remarkable story of becoming a stepmom who ultimately adopted her stepdaughter, overcoming immense obstacles and heartbreak along the way. Listeners will journey with Valerie Mills as she details the emotional and legal complexities of her family's story, from rescuing her stepdaughter from a difficult home environment at age 7, to navigating the revolving door of foster care, facing her own battle with cancer, and overcoming domestic abuse. Hear how Valerie Mills fought for custody, the surprising ease of the adoption process as a single parent, and the pivotal moments where unconditional love triumphed over adversity. This episode covers: The unique challenges of blended families and step-parent adoption Navigating the foster care system and the importance of stability for traumatized children Open, candid discussions about mental health, resilience, and healing after trauma The power of chosen family and how more love supports a child's growth You'll also hear touching anecdotes about mother-daughter dynamics, ongoing struggles with biological parents, the importance of extended support systems, and practical tips for anyone considering adoption or dealing with family court. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this inspiring story with someone who needs to know they're not alone on this journey!

Challenging custody battles, high-conflict co-parents, and courtroom chaos, this episode dives deep into the realities protective parents face, with real strategies for fighting for your child's best interests. Join Renee Rodriguez and her expert guest for a powerful and practical conversation. In this insightful episode, Renee Rodriguez welcomes a seasoned custody consultant, the creator of The Custody Blueprint, to discuss the complex and emotionally charged world of family court. Listeners will gain clear, actionable guidance on navigating custody disputes with high-conflict or abusive co-parents: from organizing evidence and building a compelling case to understanding the dynamics of narcissistic behavior, dealing with biased or uninformed legal professionals, and securing the best outcome for their children. Key topics include: What it really means to be a "protective parent" versus being labeled "high-conflict" Why 50/50 custody isn't always in the child's best interest Strategies for collecting and presenting the right evidence in court The critical importance of clear, specific parenting plans The emotional and systemic hurdles parents face, and how to overcome them You'll also hear real-life experiences from both the host and her guest, covering issues like breastfeeding and overnight custody, medical neglect, and the challenges of getting the court to see behind the facade of an abusive co-parent. Guest Links & Resources: Website: TheCustodyBlueprint.com

Mother's Day is almost here, and stepmoms everywhere are bracing for the rollercoaster of emotions that this Hallmark holiday can bring. In this honest, lighthearted episode, Lori & David break down the myths, expectations, and real stories behind recognition, or lack thereof, on Mother's Day and Stepmother's Day in blended families. In this episode: Why communication about expectations is crucial (hint: don't assume your partner or stepkids know what you want!) How to navigate feelings of disappointment or being overlooked, and practical tips to prevent "getting butt hurt twice"  Real-life experiences with gifts, love languages, and candid stories about not being recognized—and creative ways stepmoms can celebrate themselves  The history behind Mother's Day and why even its founder came to regret it  Advice on handling grief and mixed emotions if you're missing your own mom or struggling with the holiday  Whether you're a stepmom, stepdad, or simply navigating new traditions in your blended family, this is your annual reminder to communicate with your partner, lower expectations and appreciate yourself for all you do.

Discover crucial insights into estate planning, divorce mediation, and the complexities of blended families in this heartfelt episode featuring attorney Tamara Arnold. Learn why preparing legal documents for life's unexpected turns is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. Listeners will hear Tamara's powerful personal story that led her to a career in estate planning, from her mother's tragedy to her mission of helping families ensure their voices and wishes are honored. She delves into why healthcare directives matter, how trusts work (especially for stepfamilies), and the importance of clear communication to avoid family conflict over inheritance. Tamara also explains her compassionate approach to divorce mediation, helping couples navigate separation without escalating hostile battles. Highlights include: The real-life impact of a lack of estate planning and healthcare directives How to set up trusts and wills that honor everyone, especially in blended families The pitfalls of probate and how to avoid them Tips on guardianship decisions for children in stepfamily situations How mediation offers healthier outcomes in divorce and custody disputes Tamara's practical advice for step-parents seeking balance, trust, and clarity Her story of integrating into a blended family, earning stepchild trust, and finding harmony Special guest: Tamara Arnold, founder of Truce Resolutions and creator of the Divorce Wave app. Follow her on Instagram @tamaraesq.

Curious how blended families navigate the tricky question of paying for college? Lori and David tackle financial planning, family dynamics, and the reality of college costs in stepfamilies with honesty and humor. In this episode, you'll hear candid discussions about college expenses, scholarships, military paths, and what happens when one parent or stepparent has set aside funds for their child. Lori and David share their own experiences, like how military service and scholarships shaped their children's education, and what tough conversations arise if only one child has college savings. They dive deep into blended family finances, including inheritance, trusts, and what "fairness" really means when handling money for kids and stepkids. You'll also get practical advice on when to start talking about finances, why it's essential to plan early, and how to manage uncomfortable conversations (with tips for mediators and financial advisors). The hosts read comments from their Facebook group, providing real-life perspectives on who pays for college. Want more Nacho Kids wisdom? Visit https://nachokids.com for resources, join their Facebook group, and stay connected on social media. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and catch upcoming episodes for support and advice on stepfamily life! Subscribe & Review: Help us grow and serve more stepfamilies!

Struggling with family court drama or high-conflict co-parenting? In this eye-opening episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori sits down with seasoned family law attorney Whitney Antoniono to reveal the common mistakes people make in family court, and how to avoid them. What to Expect: You'll learn the crucial dos and don'ts of communicating with your co-parent, why documenting everything (with more than just your phone!) matters, and how emotional responses can sabotage your case. Whitney Antoniano shares real-world stories from inside and outside the courtroom, highlighting how little things, like your tone in emails, or rolling your eyes in court, can sway a judge's opinion. The episode also dives into: How to protect yourself from common pitfalls before, during, and after court The ins-and-outs of self-representation versus hiring an attorney The realities of step-parent involvement in custody cases When and how kids' preferences are considered Why relying on AI tools like ChatGPT for legal filings could backfire How to keep your cool (and keep your costs down) if things get heated Guest Info: Whitney Antoniano is a multi-state family law attorney (DC, NY, MD, TX). She's known for her straight talk, practical strategies, and deep empathy for clients caught in high-conflict cases. Find her on Instagram and TikTok @WLAFamilyLaw, or visit wlafamilylaw.com for educational content and resources. Don't miss this essential episode for any parent, step-parent, or partner navigating the family court maze. Hit subscribe to hear more, leave us a review, or join the Nacho Kids community for extra support!