Episode 16: Navigating the Emotional Weight of Back to School

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.