Back-to-school season can feel like a tug-of-war—part excitement, part emotional exhaustion. In this episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, Robin and Nicole talk openly about the mental and emotional weight that comes with sending kids back to school.

From supply list chaos and shifting schedules to the bittersweet moments of watching your kids grow, they share personal stories and practical ways to manage the stress. You’ll hear how different families approach school prep, the effect of structure on mental health, and why finding balance matters more than perfection.

They also dive into the impacts of standardized testing, the nostalgia of first-and-last-day school photos, and the mix of joy and ache that comes with each transition. With humor, empathy, and real-life examples, Robin and Nicole remind moms that they’re not alone in navigating this season—and that the “messy middle” can still hold beauty.

Summer can be a beautiful season… but for moms, it can also feel like a perfect storm—no school routines, constant activity, and sensory overload from all sides. In this episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, Robin and Nicole get real about the challenges of surviving summer when your house is full, your patience is thin, and the heat won’t let up.

From creating small, flexible routines to setting realistic expectations for yourself (and your kids), they share practical tips to protect your mental health, manage overwhelm, and embrace the imperfect moments. You’ll also hear why waterpark passes might be the ultimate Christmas gift and how shared calendars can save your sanity.

Whether you’re battling the blazing sun, juggling work and camps, or just trying to enjoy the chaos without losing yourself, this episode offers the encouragement and tools you need to not just survive—but find pockets of joy in the summer sizzle.

In this powerful continuation of Episode 13, Motherhood and the Messy Middle co-hosts Robin and Nicole go deeper into the emotional terrain of estrangement between parents and children—specifically what healing, growth, and hope can look like when you're still living in the ache of disconnection.

Nicole shares how her relationship with God shaped the way she loves her daughter from afar, how she's learned to parent through grief, and why surrender, prayer, and emotional honesty matter now more than ever.

Whether you’re wrestling with silence, setting boundaries, or learning how to live again after being cut off, this episode is for you. You’ll leave feeling less alone and reminded that even in heartbreak, healing is holy work.

In Episode 13 of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, Robin and Nicole hold nothing back in this deeply personal conversation on estrangement between a mother and child. Nicole shares her own story of being cut off from her oldest daughter, the emotional unraveling that followed, and how identity, faith, and motherhood intersect in the ache of disconnection.

They explore what estrangement really means, the invisible grief it brings, and the shame many mothers carry in silence. Through raw vulnerability, they discuss how to hold both heartbreak and hope, and what it means to love like Jesus even when your child walks away.

This episode is for any parent navigating distance, silence, or emotional disconnection with a child. You’ll walk away with comfort, understanding, and the reminder: you are not alone.