Winter break, postpartum transitions, and stackedresponsibilities can make even well-run homes feel off. In this episode, Michelle reframes “survival mode” as maintenance mode - a necessary phase when life requires more effort and offers less margin.

Instead of pushing harder or starting over, this conversation focuses on keeping things moving, protecting energy, and making thoughtful adjustments during high-demand seasons.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why school breaks disrupt regulation, rhythm, and behaviormore than we expect

• How shared load (not more effort) changes the math of daily life• Postpartum weaning as a real transition (and why it deserves recognition)• Why maintenance seasons aren’t chaos, they’re upkeep• Screen time, regulation, and choosing clarity over comparison• Simple systems that reduce mental load: doubling meals and using your calendar as your brain
• Parenting a child with special needs when the margin is thinner; IEP advocacy, therapy minutes, and realistic progress• Real-life home systems: playroom reshuffles, toy clutter migration, and letting go of “cute in theory” setups• Fast, low-decision dinners when energy is limited• Why quiet progress still counts (and how to recognize it)

Mentioned in this episode:

👉 therealmommanual.com/tools

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