Mom guilt has shaped so many seasons of our motherhood journeys, but it does not hold the same power it once did. In this honest and reflective conversation, we look back on what used to weigh heavily on our hearts and compare it to the much shorter lists we carry today. From work-related guilt and feeling torn between responsibilities, to struggling to fully enjoy our kids while managing the chaos of daily life, we share the real-time challenges we are still navigating. We also open up about the pressure of meeting different needs within the same family and how growth, perspective, and practical shifts have helped us loosen guilt’s grip. Our hope is that hearing where we have been and how far we have come helps you peel back a layer of guilt in your own motherhood story.

Key Topics Covered:

• Amy’s early fears about bonding, attachment, and whether her firstborn would recognize her after returning to work.
• The internal struggle around justifying time with friends during the early years of motherhood.
• Abby’s vulnerable admission of questioning whether she was cut out for motherhood during a difficult phase.
• The specific work pressures that tend to trigger guilt in this current season.
• Navigating overlapping sports schedules and creating a fair system when multiple kids need to be in different places at once.
• Wanting meaningful one-on-one time with each child but feeling stretched thin.
• The emotional load of managing kids versus enjoying them.
• Parenting a spirited child whose needs require extra time and attention.
• Practical mindset shifts that have helped us move from shame toward self-compassion.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Listen to Episode 12. Mom Guilt: How We’re Working Through It: https://www.herselfpodcast.com/listen/12-mom-guilt-how-were-working-through-it

HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcast

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.