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Motherhood & The Brain

Motherhood & The Brain

By: Esther Mbabazi
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Are you tired of feeling like you’re always at your wit's end, especially when it comes to yelling at your kids?

You’re not alone.

Motherhood can be overwhelming, especially when your preteen seems to push every button and you just can’t seem to get through to them without losing your temper.

This podcast is for moms who are juggling work, family, and everything in between, and are ready to stop yelling and start connecting with their kids in a more peaceful way.

We’ll take you on a journey through the ups and downs of raising a preteen, offering brain-based strategies and practical tips on how to handle everything from discipline to managing your own emotions.

We’ll dive into topics like how to better understand your child’s behavior, how to stop yelling and start listening, and how to build a stronger, more trusting relationship with your preteen.

You’ll learn about positive parenting, emotional control, and simple, science-backed methods for managing mom anger and helping your preteen thrive.

If you’re looking for real, actionable advice on how to deal with the challenges of raising a preteen, this is the place for you.

Let’s make this motherhood journey a little smoother, together.





© 2025 Motherhood & The Brain
Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Uncovering Stress Triggers with Journaling
    Aug 5 2025

    Today we're bringing back another one of our most-loved episodes [Uncovering Stress Triggers with Journaling]. This one struck a chord with so many of you, and it’s no surprise. Because when the days feel long and everything feels like too much, it’s easy to think the stress is coming from the chaos around you. But what if you could slow it down, peek underneath the overwhelm, and actually understand why you're feeling the way you are?

    In this episode, I walk you through how journaling, in a way that’s simple, not fluffy, can help you uncover the real triggers underneath your stress. And once you start noticing those patterns, something shifts. You stop snapping on autopilot, and you start responding with more calm, even in the middle of messes and meltdowns.

    So whether you're listening for the first time or coming back for a reminder, this one's worth a replay.

    Ever wonder why you lose your temper with your preteen, despite your best intentions?

    In this episode of "Motherhood from the Brain," host Esther promises to guide you through life changing techniques that will help you manage those emotional flare-ups.

    By introducing the powerful practice of journaling, Esther reveals how documenting your daily interactions can uncover hidden triggers and recurring stressors, leading to a calmer family environment.

    You'll learn how writing down specific incidents can not only track your growth but also potentially turn your experiences into a resourceful book for other mothers.

    We dig deep into the underlying beliefs and expectations that often contribute to parental frustration.

    Esther addresses common parental stressors, like noisy children and sibling fights, and emphasizes how setting aside time for journaling can help you process these emotions.

    By examining thoughts like "they should be quiet," you can uncover unrealistic expectations and shift from immediate reactions to a more thoughtful understanding of your emotions.

    This practice aims to reduce the emotional toll on parents, fostering a more peaceful home life.

    Finally, we explore the crucial role of mindfulness and self-awareness in parenting. Esther discusses how recognizing and understanding your emot

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    Support the show

    👉 The 60-second Yell Less Reset quiz is your first step toward change.

    “I never wanted to be the mom who yells…”
    But here you are, raising your voice, snapping over small things, saying things you wish you could take back.

    You love your kids more than anything.


    And you know they don’t deserve a mom who yells.


    You just don’t know how to stop; especially when they won’t listen, talk back, or push every single boundary.

    👉 The 60-second Yell Less Reset quiz is your first step toward change.

    Already taken by many moms who wanted to break the yelling cycle.

    Based on the science of how your brain responds to stress, this quiz goes beyond surface-level tips.

    It helps you pause, uncover what’s really fueling those outbursts, and start shifting the pattern before it spirals again.

    You’ll discover:


    Your personal Reset; so you can get your kids to listen without needing to yell, threaten, or give in

    ✅ It’s not just their behavior; it’s the moment you feel like nothing you say matters

    ✅A clear next step to help you stay calm and in charge; even when your kids are testing every boundary

    Take the quiz. Start your reset now.

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • When Your Child Wants To Live With The Other Parent.
    Jul 29 2025

    Today I’m bringing back one of the most listened-to episodes on the podcast, and for good reason. It's called “When Your Child Wants to Live with the Other Parent” and if you’ve ever felt the sting of those words, or worried they might come, this one’s for you.

    This episode struck a chord with so many of you because it goes deeper than just what your child says in the heat of the moment. It’s about what comes up inside you when it happens [the fear, the guilt, the heartbreak] and how to stay grounded even when it feels like your heart is breaking.

    Whether you’ve heard it before or it’s your first time, I invite you to listen with fresh ears. There’s something here that might land differently today, especially if you’re in a tough season.

    What if the gap between you and your preteen isn't a failure? What if it's a step toward a stronger bond?

    Join me. This episode looks at the pain and doubt moms feel as their daughters pull away. By reframing this transition, we can see it as normal growth.

    It's not a reflection of our worth as mothers. This heartfelt talk offers brain-based strategies. They will help navigate this tender phase of motherhood with grace and compassion.

    By knowing our emotions, we can turn doubt and fear into curiosity and connection. Learn to maintain a meaningful relationship with your child. Use small, careful actions that respect her independence and your role in her life.

    If you're feeling sidelined or unsure, let's explore these uncharted areas together. It will strengthen our mother-daughter bond.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    👉 The 60-second Yell Less Reset quiz is your first step toward change.

    “I never wanted to be the mom who yells…”
    But here you are, raising your voice, snapping over small things, saying things you wish you could take back.

    You love your kids more than anything.


    And you know they don’t deserve a mom who yells.


    You just don’t know how to stop; especially when they won’t listen, talk back, or push every single boundary.

    👉 The 60-second Yell Less Reset quiz is your first step toward change.

    Already taken by many moms who wanted to break the yelling cycle.

    Based on the science of how your brain responds to stress, this quiz goes beyond surface-level tips.

    It helps you pause, uncover what’s really fueling those outbursts, and start shifting the pattern before it spirals again.

    You’ll discover:


    Your personal Reset; so you can get your kids to listen without needing to yell, threaten, or give in

    ✅ It’s not just their behavior; it’s the moment you feel like nothing you say matters

    ✅A clear next step to help you stay calm and in charge; even when your kids are testing every boundary

    Take the quiz. Start your reset now.

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Anxious About Going Back To Work After Maternity Leave?
    Jul 22 2025

    Today I'm bringing back one of the most downloaded episodes of the podcast [this one really struck a chord]. Whether you're just heading back to work or you're still wrestling with mixed emotions long after maternity leave ended, this episode is for you. We’re talking about the anxiety, the guilt, the fear of being forgotten and why you’re not alone. So if your heart feels heavy about leaving your baby and diving back into the working world, this one will speak right to it.


    Today, Esther dives into the deep waters of motherhood and career in a way that really hits home. She talks about that tug-of-war many moms feel between returning to work and staying with their baby. Esther brings up societal pressures and the internal battles we face when balancing work and maternal instincts.

    Then, she introduces this fascinating concept of the "protective brain." You know, how a mom's brain is wired to shield her child, and how going back to work can feel like a threat to that instinct. It's eye-opening stuff, really delving into the emotional side of things.

    Esther doesn't stop there; she gets into the nitty-gritty of practical challenges like pumping and storing breast milk. But what's refreshing is how she acknowledges these concerns with compassion and offers strategies to tackle them head-on.

    And let me tell you, her tips for negotiating with your own brain? Genius. She encourages moms to embrace their autonomy in choosing to return to work and offers empowering ways to navigate that transition.

    Throughout the episode, Esther emphasizes the importance of reframing our perspective, tapping into our wisdom, and giving ourselves permission to feel those tough emotions like guilt. It's all about finding balance, you know?

    By the end, you'll walk away feeling empowered, armed with practical solutions, and ready to face the challenges of motherhood and work with grace and self-compassion. So, grab your headphones and join us on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment!

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    👉 The 60-second Yell Less Reset quiz is your first step toward change.

    “I never wanted to be the mom who yells…”
    But here you are, raising your voice, snapping over small things, saying things you wish you could take back.

    You love your kids more than anything.


    And you know they don’t deserve a mom who yells.


    You just don’t know how to stop; especially when they won’t listen, talk back, or push every single boundary.

    👉 The 60-second Yell Less Reset quiz is your first step toward change.

    Already taken by many moms who wanted to break the yelling cycle.

    Based on the science of how your brain responds to stress, this quiz goes beyond surface-level tips.

    It helps you pause, uncover what’s really fueling those outbursts, and start shifting the pattern before it spirals again.

    You’ll discover:


    Your personal Reset; so you can get your kids to listen without needing to yell, threaten, or give in

    ✅ It’s not just their behavior; it’s the moment you feel like nothing you say matters

    ✅A clear next step to help you stay calm and in charge; even when your kids are testing every boundary

    Take the quiz. Start your reset now.

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
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