Episode 11-How to Overcome Mom Guilt with Paige Clingenpeel

Where does mom guilt come from and how can we overcome it? On this week's episode of Embracing Your Season, host Paige Clingenpeel addresses that sometimes we compare other’s highlights on social media with our reality, we set unreasonable expectations for ourselves and we deal with mental health struggles. Mom’s, you are not alone and we all deal with mom guilt throughout all seasons of life.

Paige’s Takeaways:

Top 3 Mom Guilts: 

1. The Comparison Factor - It is found when we assess similarities or differences between us and people around us. It’s how we evaluate our success or how we fit in. We compare our realities to people’s highlights on social media and that can become detrimental and condemning to us.
2. Expectations - What we put on ourselves or what we think other people want for us. We can’t fulfill those expectations so then we start condemning ourselves and judging ourselves. There are expectations that are influenced by this invisible load of motherhood. 

Examples of Invisible Mom Load:

• Managing the calendars, schedules and routine.
• Always being the “go to” parent or default parent.
• Anticipating everyone’s needs.
• The one who has to take the time off for sick kids, appointments, etc.

1. Mental Health Struggles - Our thoughts and feelings can lie to us. Our feelings can be very convincing but it doesn’t mean they are accurate, realistic and not always healthy. There's nothing wrong with going to see a counselor or therapist or even a doctor for your mental health. 

How We Can Combat Mom Guilt:

1. Be kind to yourself - Give yourself grace and celebrate the good things.
2. Accept your current season that you are in. Every season has a purpose.
3. Ask for help! Ask your partner, friends or family for the help you need if you are struggling. Discuss your upcoming week with your partner and let him know how he can help.
4. Practice Sabbath - It’s an emotional place of rest to just be still and trust that God has us.
5. Seek help from professionals.  Feeling heard and seen is a powerful way to process and heal from things we might be experiencing.
6. Eliminate negative influences - This could be family and friends or even social media. Think about who you are allowing to speak into your life.
7. Be cautious and mindful of what we are speaking over other moms. 
8. 
   

Paige Clingenpeel

Questions About the Podcast? Email: paigeclingenpeel@gmail.com

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