332: It's Not Always Intentional

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David explore the real-life differences between parenting biological children and stepchildren; sometimes, it’s not what you expect! 🤷‍♀️

Ever caught yourself treating your biological child differently from your stepchild and wondered why? Lori candidly shares her own journey, confessing to unexpectedly “spoiling” her son in ways she once judged David for doing with his kids. Meanwhile, David reflects on navigating fairness, boundaries, and those tricky moments when stepfamily dynamics collide with everyday life—like car insurance debates, driving lessons, and coping with grandparent relationships. 🚗

Together, Lori and David dig deep into how financial responsibilities, house rules, emotional bonds, and even day-to-day annoyances (hello, dirty cereal bowls!) all shift depending on whether the child is a biological child or a stepchild. Plus, they discuss how critical lenses are natural, not mean, and how having different relationships with each child (and grandchild) is okay. 💚

If you’ve ever felt guilty for loving your stepkids differently - or not at all, struggled to balance household expectations, or gotten into awkward moments with your partner’s ex at family events, this episode is for you. Real talk, real tips, and genuine laughs - perfect for anyone trying to “nacho” their way through blended family challenges!

You’ll also hear:
The impact of child support and finances on stepfamily stress
Why being more critical of stepkids is often natural, and how to reframe it
The difference between disengaging and genuinely caring
How both adults and kids view love and loyalty in blended families
Funny (and awkward!) anecdotes from their own family get-togethers and grandparenting adventures

Don’t miss this honest, relatable discussion packed with insight and solutions for new and veteran stepfamilies alike! Whether you’re a stepmom, stepdad, or just part of the whole “nacho tribe,” you’ll walk away feeling empowered and understood.

00:00 Parenting Bio vs Step Kids
05:37 Parenting Bias in Blended Families
09:16 Navigating Bond Differences Carefully
11:53 Teaching How to Learn
14:52 25-Year-Old Mentality
16:40 Learning by Necessity
23:20 Why Grandparents Are Awesome
28:23 Navigating Family Dynamics
29:49 Birthday Party Family Dynamics
33:11 Navigating Step-Parent Relationships

Subscribe for more Nacho Kids Podcast episodes, and let us know in the comments what parenting or stepfamily topic you want to hear about next! 👇

#NachoKids #StepParenting #BlendedFamilies #ParentingRealTalk #FamilyDynamics #NachoParenting #StepFamilyLife #ParentingTips

🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell so you don’t miss an episode! 💬 Comment below: How do you handle differences in parenting bio kids vs. stepkids? What’s your biggest blended family challenge?

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Life is good…when you Nacho! 🌟