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Marriage changes after kids.

Not because the love disappears, but because life gets louder.

In Part 2 of our Marriage After Kids series, Kate sits down with her husband, Taylor, for an honest conversation about what nearly 14 years together and almost 10 years of marriage-have taught them about parenting, partnership, and choosing each other through every season.

From learning how to communicate through busy schedules, to navigating a difficult year in their marriage, to embracing different parenting styles, this episode is a reminder that healthy relationships aren't built by never struggling, they're built by continuing to show up.

Together, Kate and Taylor talk about:

• What changed most in their relationship after becoming parents
• Why intentional communication and regular check-ins matter
• The reality of "roommate mode" and reconnecting after hard seasons
• Different parenting styles and how those differences can actually strengthen a family
• Mental load, gatekeeping, and why asking for help matters
• Finding your identity while raising young children
• What they hope their daughters learn from watching their marriage
• The transition from one child to two (and why that felt monumental!)
• Why they still choose each other after all these years

Whether you're newly married, deep in the toddler years, or simply trying to reconnect with your partner, we hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone.

Marriage after kids is beautiful.

It's messy.

It's intentional.

And it's always worth fighting for.

✨ Connect with us:
Instagram: @messy.minded.mama

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love for you to leave a review, share it with another parent, or send us a message, we'd love to hear your story.

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Marriage after kids changes everything—and yet, somehow, the heart of a strong marriage remains the same.

In this special episode, Jenn is joined by her husband, Tyler, for an honest conversation about what marriage looks like after children enter the picture. From navigating the mental load and staying connected through busy seasons to sharing parenting responsibilities and finding humor in the chaos, they're pulling back the curtain on the realities of family life.

Together, they discuss:

• How their relationship changed after becoming parents
• The challenges of balancing marriage, parenting, and everyday responsibilities
• Mental load and the invisible work that often comes with raising a family
• What husbands wish moms knew
• Funny stories from life with kids (including a memorable moment involving "the main one")
• The habits and perspectives that help them stay connected through different seasons of family life

Whether you're in the newborn trenches, chasing toddlers, navigating school-aged years, or simply trying to reconnect with your spouse amid the busyness of family life, this conversation offers encouragement, honesty, and a reminder that you're not alone.

One insight from Tyler that stood out:

"Parents have already done the hard part. They've found someone they connect with—someone they can build a life and raise a family with."

This is Part 1 of our "Real Talk with Our Husbands" series. Stay tuned for Part 2, featuring Kate and her husband.

Connect with us:
Instagram: @messy.minded.mama
Website: messymindedmama.com

If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who could use some encouragement.

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We're back! 🎙️

After an accidental summer break before summer even started, we're catching up on all the end-of-school chaos, spirit weeks, graduations, and the inevitable round of sickness that seemed determined to kick off our summer plans.

If you're entering summer feeling more exhausted than refreshed, you're not alone.

In this episode, we share what moms in our community are craving more of this summer—rest, connection, slow mornings, adventure, and intentional time with their kids—and what's feeling hardest right now, from balancing work and family to feeling responsible for everyone's happiness.

Together, we're talking about how to create a Summer Reset that gives you the permission slip you need and create rhythms that actually work for your family.

Because summer doesn't need to be perfect to be meaningful.

In This Episode:

☀️ Why summer often feels harder than we expect

☀️ What moms really want more (and less) of this season

☀️ How to decide how you want summer to feel before filling your calendar

☀️ The difference between creating rhythm and creating rigidity

☀️ Our personal Summer Permission Slips

☀️ A simple "Prepare Now, Thank Yourself Later" challenge

Favorite Takeaways:

✨ Moms aren't asking for more activities. They're asking for more peace, presence, and connection.

✨ You are not responsible for creating a magical summer every single day.

✨ Kids need a present mom more than they need a perfect summer.

✨ Protecting your energy isn't selfish—it's what helps everyone enjoy summer more.

Your Summer Reset Challenge:

Choose ONE thing this week that future-you will appreciate.

Maybe it's planning easy meals, scheduling downtime, setting family expectations, or letting go of something that no longer serves your family.

A little preparation today can create a lot more peace later.

Prepare now. Thank yourself later.

Connect with us on Instagram @messymindedmama and tell us:

👉 What's one thing you want MORE of this summer?