Mom guilt is an all-too-familiar feeling, yet we rarely talk about it openly. You may choose to say nothing at all, fearing that if you voice your struggles, you’ll receive criticism or blame rather than support and understanding. The isolation is so real.

But why do we allow these feelings of guilt to linger? Why do we let them take up residence in our thoughts, unchallenged and unaddressed? It can be overwhelming to face your deepest worries and acknowledge possible mistakes. Avoiding guilt could be a way of protecting yourself from feeling like you’re not enough.

The irony of mom guilt is that by not dealing with it, you might miss out on its potential benefits. Guilt is not just a burden; it’s a catalyst for change. It’s designed to motivate us, clarify our priorities, and nudge us towards self-compassion or a different course of action. When we choose to ignore it, we forfeit these opportunities for growth and transformation.

I’ve learned through my ups and downs with anger and guilt in motherhood, that it was in fact a journey to self-understanding. I wasn’t angry with my child, I was angry with myself. I was discovering that much of parenthood I didn’t understand or feel equipped for, and my overwhelm and mistakes made me feel like I was doomed to fail. This realization was a turning point, allowing me to approach parenting challenges with more calmness and self-compassion.

Moving through mom guilt is not just about overcoming feelings of inadequacy; it’s about embracing the beautifully imperfect adventure of parenting. It’s about recognizing that being a ‘good enough’ mom is not only okay but truly enough. We need to keep the conversation about mom guilt going, allow ourselves to feel our feelings, and overcome our guilt—not just for our own sake but for the well-being of our children and the strength of our families.

The pathway through mom guilt involves a mix of laughter, insight, and empowerment. By facing our guilt, understanding its roots, and learning to enjoy the absurdities of parenthood, we can find a path toward self-love that overflows to our children. It’s a reminder that while mom guilt is a common experience, it doesn’t have to define who we or keep us stuck in self-blame. Let’s keep talking about it, who knows — we may even discover that we are more than enough.