Stop Managing Everything: How to Build a Summer Routine Kids Actually Follow Pt II ( Nicole Gambino)

In Part 2 of my conversation with parenting and executive function coach Nicole Gambino, we get practical. Nicole walks through real, age-specific summer routines she's built with families — down to the exact tasks kids as young as five and as old as middle schoolers can own on their own, no reminders required. We talk about the difference between "motoring" your kids through their responsibilities and actually empowering them to initiate on their own, why explaining every request too much can backfire, and how to handle the inevitable pushback ("why do I have to do everything?"). Nicole also shares a genius tip for making the back-to-school transition feel exciting instead of dreaded: starting with the workspace, not the work. If you've ever wondered whether your child is capable of more than you're currently asking of them, this episode will change how you think about routines, chores, and what it really means to raise a self-reliant kid. What We Cover: ● Why the goal isn't a perfect routine — it's a child who can initiate without being reminded ● The difference between "motoring" (reminding) your kids and building real independence ● Real, age-specific routine examples for an elementary schooler and a middle schooler ● Why over-explaining every request can do more harm than good ● The link between purpose, structure, and reduced anxiety in kids ● A simple, materials-first way to ease the transition back to school ABOUT THE GUEST: NICOLE GAMBINO IS A PARENTING EXPERT WITH 17 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE HELPING FAMILIES CREATE STRUCTURE, INDEPENDENCE, AND CONFIDENCE AT HOME. SHE HAS DEVELOPED A SYSTEM OF RITUALS AND GUARDRAILS DESIGNED TO SHIFT RESPONSIBILITY OFF OF PARENTS AND ONTO CHILDREN—EMPOWERING KIDS TO BECOME MORE CAPABLE WHILE EASING THE MENTAL LOAD ON MOMS. Key Insight: Nicole’s approach flips a common parenting pattern: instead of moms holding everything together, children are given the structure and responsibility to step up—creating a more balanced, sustainable family dynamic. Links + Resources: Follow Nicole:   / nicole.hurleygambino   Learn more about her work: http://NicoleGambino.com Follow ThatMom:   / thatmomco   Join the email list: https://thatmom.kit.com/intentionalmom Maria's Style Pick: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/... If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.