In this powerful episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with author and speaker Jon Bassford to have an honest, eye-opening conversation about what co-parenting really looks like and why most families are unknowingly doing it wrong.
Jon, author of The Co-Parenting Secret: It’s Not About You, shares his personal journey as both a child of divorce and a father raising a son across two households. Drawing from lived experience, he explains why most modern families aren’t truly co-parenting at all, but instead operating in parallel or “duel parenting” systems that leave children struggling with transitions, loyalty conflicts, and emotional stress.
Together, Lori and Jon discuss:
• Why co-parenting often becomes about ego, time, and resentment, not kids
• The difference between parallel parenting and intentional co-parenting
• How unresolved conflict shows up in children’s behavior
• Why showing up consistently matters more than custody schedules
• How children internalize divorce and parental absence
• The lasting impact of parents who don’t take accountability
• How healthy communication models conflict resolution for kids
• Why children remember how parents showed up, not just whether they did
• How two households can still function as one supportive “village”
Jon also shares how he and his ex-wife intentionally rebuilt their relationship after divorce — creating a rare dynamic where extended families remain connected, major life events are shared peacefully, and their child is never forced to choose sides.
This episode explores the long-term emotional impact of divorce, the importance of responsibility instead of blame, and why healing family patterns requires courage, humility, and intentional effort.
At its core, this conversation reinforces one essential truth:
When parenting stops being about the adults — and becomes about the child — everything changes.
Guest: Jon Bassford
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