In this episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, hosts Robin and Nicole discuss the challenges moms face during summer when routines collapse, and the home is always bustling with kids. Sharing personal anecdotes, they explore strategies for managing sensory overload, creating small structured routines, and setting realistic expectations to maintain mental health. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing personal thresholds for better self-care. Listeners are invited to find support in a new resource vault created by the hosts and are encouraged to rate and review the podcast to reach more moms navigating similar struggles.

00:00 Introduction: Surviving Summer as a Mom

00:54 Meet the Hosts: Robin and Nicole

01:38 Summer Challenges and Routines

02:54 The Struggle with Summer Heat

06:44 Balancing Work and Summer Camps

09:43 Adapting to Summer Without Jobs

13:36 The Perfect Christmas Gift: Waterpark Season Passes

13:59 Creating a Flexible Summer Schedule

14:31 Mental Health and Daily Routines

15:41 Teaching Responsibility with Pets

17:36 The Importance of Shared Calendars

19:17 Managing Sensory Overload

22:27 Planning and Overcoming Overwhelm

25:13 Embracing Imperfection and Finding Joy

26:24 Resource Vault for Moms

Connect with me on Instagram: @heygirl.itsnicole
And explore more resources for estranged moms at nicolecoates.com.

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps other moms find the support they’ve been praying for.

This podcast is created for moms walking through estrangement — a place to be understood, encouraged, and reminded you’re not alone.