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NKP338: I Don’t Love My Stepkid 

 November 28, 2025

By  Lori Sims

Wondering if it's normal not to love your stepkids?

You're not alone! In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive deep into one of blended families’ most sensitive topics: loving your stepkids. Drawing on their personal experiences and honest conversations, they challenge the common myth that you must love your stepchildren or as much as your biological kids.

From addressing unique relationship dynamics to sharing practical examples about boundaries and fairness, this episode is packed with real talk for stepparents. Hear stories of family struggles, setting healthy boundaries with in-laws, surviving accusations, handling discipline, and being fair. Get actionable advice on treating all kids with respect, even when the love feels different.

Whether you're a stepmom, stepdad, or a bio parent in a blended family, this episode will make you feel seen and supported. Tune in for empowering tips, relatable stories, and encouragement to treat everyone in your home with kindness and decency.

Key Topics:

  • [00:00:18] – Is it necessary to love your stepkids?
  • [00:08:50] – The fallout of not setting boundaries with in-laws
  • [00:10:15] – Family reactions and handling tough moments
  • [00:16:50] – The difference between treating and loving kids fairly
  • [00:19:02] – Discipline, rewards, and avoiding common traps
  • [00:21:01] – Navigating comparisons in stepfamilies
  • [00:25:13] – Modeling respect even when it’s not reciprocated

Listen now and join the Nacho Kids movement!

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Nacho Kids' purpose is to dramatically reduce the blended family and stepfamily failure rate by providing the information and tools needed to live a successful and healthy blended life.

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If you’d like to be a guest on the Nacho Kids Podcast, reach out to us and we’ll see what we can do! Or if you have a question you’d like us to answer, send us a message! We are very thankful to all of our guests and our listeners. Our hope for you is that something you hear here will help you in your blend!

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