As moms, we know every season brings new challenges, and summer can be one of the hardest to navigate. In this week’s episode, we share an honest summer recap—the wins, the struggles, and the lessons we’re carrying into fall and beyond.

From childcare challenges to balancing marriage and motherhood, we open up about the good, the bad, and the messy parts of parenting during the summer months.

• Childcare struggles & solutions: Amy shares what she learned when their nanny left for college in August and how she’s planning ahead with summer camps for next year. Abby talks about what worked (parent swaps) and what will have to change as Owen transitions out of daycare.
  
  
  
• Parenting & relationships: Many parents find themselves burnt out by the end of summer, especially when one parent carries more of the load. Amy and Abby talk about how this impacts relationships—and why it’s important to ask for help before you’re drowning.
  
  
  
• Practical takeaways: From childcare swaps, community programs, and after-school care, to making small changes at home, Amy and Abby share the strategies that are helping their families run more smoothly.
  
  
  
• Personal edits: Amy admits she’s working on bringing more positivity to family check-in meetings, while Abby is finding balance between her love of open weekends and Colin’s need for structure.
  
  
  

This conversation is a reminder for every parent: check in with yourself often. Needs change, kids grow, relationships evolve, and your routines should too. Don’t stay stuck—start making small edits now to set yourself up for a smoother season ahead.

We also want to take a moment to celebrate a very special milestone today; this is our 300th episode! We couldn’t be here without the support of each and every one of you. Thank you for tuning in, listening week after week, and sharing the episodes that resonate the most with you. Here’s to 300 more!

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herself

GOODR: Free Shipping with code HERSELF: https://goodr.com/herself

CORNBREAD HEMP: 30% off with code HERSELF cornbreadhemp.com/herself

Let’s connect!

HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcast

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.