No one really tells you how much parenting shifts once your kids reach school age, and there are a few things we deeply wish we had known sooner. The early years are all-consuming and survival-focused, which makes forward thinking feel nearly impossible. Now on the other side of that stage, we reflect on the bigger transitions kids experience once they enter school and the areas that deserve a little more intention.

Key topics covered:

• What changes once kids enter school and why it can feel like a whole new parenting phase.
• How friendships evolve from “everyone is invited” to more complex social dynamics.
• Coaching kids through hard friendship moments, apologies, and repairing relationships.
• Why it’s important to remember your child’s experience may look different from your own.
• The impact of words and helping kids understand how their choices affect others.
• How to handle notes home from school and why the truth often lives in the middle.
• The value of volunteering at school and gaining perspective on a teacher’s day-to-day.
• Being pro teacher and why believing the teacher matters.
• Managing the overwhelm of school paperwork, sign-ups, and assignments.
• Creating systems at home so responsibilities don’t fall through the cracks.
• Teaching kids to apologize with intention, not just to avoid consequences.
• Why school-aged parenting can be challenging and incredibly fun at the same time.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

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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.

We turned the conversation over to you and asked one powerful question: In what ways do you struggle with comparison? The overwhelming response was the realization that comparison shows up far more often than we think, especially around money, careers, bodies, relationships, and even our kids. We unpack why comparison feels so loud today, how much of what we see is a highlight reel, and why everyone’s starting point, values, and circumstances are completely different. From navigating career shifts and body image to friendships, marriage, and parenting, this episode is a reminder that you are not behind, broken, or doing life wrong. You are simply living your own version of it.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The sneaky ways comparison shows up, especially the thought of “What am I doing wrong and how can everyone else afford this?”
• Why social media hides financial stress, marriage struggles, and real life challenges.
• How different values and priorities shape what people choose to spend money and energy on.
• Career comparison and promotions, including Abby’s experience leaving the corporate world and redefining fulfillment.
• Why your job might not be the problem and how finding fulfillment outside of work can change everything.
• Body comparison, genetics, and why not everything is meant to come easily or naturally to everyone.
• The truth behind our friendship and why working together skews what people see.
• Comparing kids, milestones, achievements, and even siblings within the same family.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

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

HERSELF AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzlink.to/az0BrkLl5pX9u

Let’s connect!

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.

Parenting in a village isn’t anything new. It’s a necessity for many families, especially when extended family isn’t close by. In this episode, we talk candidly about what it really looks like to build and rely on a village of friends, neighbors, and other families. If you’ve never done this before, know that it can feel intimidating at first. Trusting others with your kids, your schedule, and your needs takes time and practice but it gets easier, and it’s worth it.

Key Topics Covered

• What it means to build a parenting village when family isn’t nearby.
• Why relying on others often starts out of necessity.
• How to ask for help clearly, specifically, and in a way that feels fair.
• Making drop-off birthday parties work for your family.
• When and how to incorporate paid support into your village.
• The impact of unexpected support and paying it forward.
• How building a village models healthy relationships and help-seeking for kids.
• Letting go of what you thought your village would look like and getting creative.
• Abby’s go-to coaching prompt for asking for help.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

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

LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase: drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF

Let’s connect!

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.