Dog Days of Summer

Dog Days of Summer

It's only been a month of summer... so why does it feel like we've run a marathon? This week, we're checking in from the trenches of summer break as two work-from-home parents with four kids under 10. Between the endless snack requests, a bucket list that's collecting more dust than checkmarks, and keeping a fearless toddler entertained, we're just trying to survive until bedtime. We also share our thoughts on Toy Story 5 and why we think it's the perfect movie for millennial parents. If summer has you hanging on by a thread, grab an ice-cold Diet Coke and join us—you are definitely not alone.

Chores: Raising Helpers, Not Houseguests

What should kids simply do because they're part of the family, and what deserves an extra reward? In this episode, we unpack how we approach chores in our busy family of six, why everyone pitches in, and how we're trying to raise kids who see themselves as valuable members of the team. It's not a perfect system, but it's helping us build responsibility, ownership, and a home where everyone contributes.

Summer Scaries

When the chaos of summer looms and your house feels like a full-blown circus, this episode is your survival guide—minus the clown costumes. Grace and Daniel navigate the wild ride of balancing work, kids, and the endless summer bucket list that makes you wish for a vacation from summer itself.Ever wonder how to keep six kids entertained without losing your mind? We break down their epic “summer bucket list” that includes everything from sleep-under experiments to lemonade stands with a side of sibling negotiations. Spoiler: there's no hamster in sight, but there is a hilarious debate about boy chores vs. girl chores, and a detailed critique of the latest popular camp prices that’ll make your wallet sweat.You'll discover: * The insider secrets to unplugging and trusting your kids with mall adventures and slime-free assignments * Creative strategies to dodge the summer slump—because yes, Kumon isn’t just a fancy word for “never-ending homework” * How working from home transforms summer chaos into family adventures, and why dad’s push to get a pet hamster might be the greatest mock trial ever * Plus, Daniel’s bold take on trash Jenga and the secret to surviving toddler animal attacks—all served with a hearty side of humor This episode isn’t just for busy parents—it's a hilarious, relatable escape hatch for anyone living through the “I-have-no-idea-how-we’ll-do-it” summer chaos. Essential listening if your house is about to turn into a beach resort or a full-blown comedy show. Get ready to embrace the chaos, laugh at the madness, and learn how to turn summer from a stress-fest into an epic adventure—because if they’re going to fight over the backseat, it might as well be while hanging out with you.Perfect for tired parents, summer planners, or anyone who’s ever wondered what the heck they’re doing when the kids are home 72 days straight. Hit play now—your sanity can wait.

The Surprising Way Life Keeps Pausing Our Podcast (And Why We Love It)

Most parents will tell you they’re experts at being late—which means we’re basically professional chaos coordinators. But behind the casual “we’re just a little behind” lie weeks full of busy kids, lost keys, and life doing its best to throw us off course. In this episode, Grace and Daniel finally sit down after a whirlwind five-week break, spilling the real behind-the-scenes on their crazy, beautiful journey — including motherhood, marriage, and the chaos that keeps their family running. They break down the art of balancing work, family, and a full calendar without losing your mind (or your marbles). You'll discover: how they navigate busy football seasons at 5 p.m. games, the honest truth about sleep deprivation, and the surprisingly profound lessons they’ve learned about raising resilient, compassionate kids. Plus, get a sneak peek into their hilarious Hawaiian adventure and what the future holds for their growing crew—spoiler: it involves lots of love, a big family, and maybe a few more trips to the fridge for Diet Coke.

Surviving Spring Break

Spring Break sounded like a dream… until reality packed its bags too. In this episode of This Is Why We’re Late, we’re taking you along for the wild ride of traveling across the country with four kids in tow. From packing for a family of six (how is it possible to need this much stuff for one week?!) to navigating time zone changes and keeping a one-year-old entertained on a five-hour flight—we’re in the thick of it. We also share the surprisingly sweet side of the trip: a place where kids run free until sunset, neighbors actually say hello, and life feels just a little bit slower (and kinder). But don’t worry—it wouldn’t be our story without a little chaos. We’re talking about the flight home from hell, complete with a sick toddler and two very tired parents just trying to survive the day. At the end of it all, we love traveling with our kids… but let’s be honest—calling it a “vacation” feels like a stretch. This was a full-on work trip. Tune in for the laughs, the real talk, and the reminder that sometimes just making it home is the biggest win. ✈️