Comedy Duo Gets Honest About the Middle School Years

September 29, 2026 - 22:52

Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley, the women behind the popular "I Mom So Hard" brand, are opening up about the chaos that comes with raising middle schoolers. The pair recently spoke about their new tour, a new book, and the reality of parenting children who are suddenly too cool for them.

The two comedians built a following by turning everyday parenting struggles into laugh out loud moments. Their material often centers on the messy, unglamorous parts of motherhood that many parents recognize but rarely discuss openly. Now they are turning their attention to the preteen years, a stage they describe as equal parts exhausting and absurd.

Middle school brings a unique set of challenges. Kids want independence but still need guidance. They roll their eyes at everything but still crawl into bed when they are scared. Hensley and Smedley say these contradictions make for great comedy because so many families live through them.

Their live shows mix storytelling with sharp observations about school drop offs, homework battles, and the ever shifting social rules of adolescence. The new book continues that theme, offering a mix of humor and honesty for parents who feel like they are barely keeping up.

The duo says their goal is simple. They want parents to know they are not alone in the madness.