Amsive

You’re Not Alone: Supporting the Overwhelmed Parent

Season 1 | Episode 23

with Nicole Coman and William “Biff” Maier

What does it really mean to support parents who are stretched thin—and how can schools, communities, and families work together to ease the load? In this conversation, hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier get real about the universal experience of parental overwhelm and the many pressures today’s caregivers carry.

Nicole and Biff explore:

  • Why naming your stress and reaching out for connection is often the first step
  • How schools can serve as a trusted extension of the family
  • The role of community, vulnerability, and “finding your people”
  • Why children often “hold it together” all day—only to fall apart at home
  • How modeling emotional awareness teaches kids to do the same
  • The impact of burnout, and why parent self-care isn’t optional
  • Ways to create balance, reset expectations, and prioritize what truly matters

With honesty, humor, and deep empathy, Nicole and Biff remind us that no one is meant to parent alone—and that overwhelm isn’t a failure, but a human signal to seek support.

If YOU feel overloaded, stuck, or simply need someone to listen, we invite you to reach out. This episode is both a comfort and a call to community for every parent trying to do their best.

LISTEN ON:

Nicole Coman
Nicole Coman (she/her) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. As a licensed educational psychologist, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise in school psychology and child development. Her experience with educational practices, Montessori education, and child development allows for an ever-captivating and insightful dialogue.
William “Biff” Maier
Biff Maier (he/him) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. Biff is an AMS Living Legacy, a former Montessori head of school, and a former teacher education program director. These deep-rooted connections with Montessori education, his passion for Montessori principles, and his legacy within AMS make him the perfect addition to our podcast team.