No Guilt Mom | Overcoming Mom Guilt, Parenting Tips, & Self Care for Moms

Overthinking your parenting decisions? Replaying conversations in your head at night? Wondering if you handled that moment “the right way”?

You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken.

In this episode, I’m joined by Gwenna Laithland, author of Thinky Thoughts, to talk about what’s really going on in that busy, overthinking brain of yours. Because what if all that mental spiraling isn’t a flaw… but actually a sign that you care deeply—and a tool you can learn to use?

Gwenna shares how her own “thinky thoughts” shaped her parenting, her healing journey, and the way she shows up for her kids today. We get into the messy, honest reality of adulting, why so many of us feel like we’re still figuring it out as we go, and how overthinking can actually lead to more intentional, connected parenting.

If you’ve ever questioned yourself as a mom, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why overthinking doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re paying attention

How childhood experiences shape the way we react as parents

The difference between guiding your child and shaming them

Why “doing better” in parenting starts with understanding yourself

How overthinking can actually help you become a more responsive, intentional parent

The truth about adulting (hint: most of us are figuring it out as we go)

Why This Episode Matters

So many overwhelmed moms carry the quiet belief that if they just thought less, worried less, or reacted less, they’d finally be a “better” parent.

But the truth is, your brain isn’t the problem.

That constant thinking often comes from a place of wanting to get it right, to break old patterns, and to give your kids something different than what you had.

This episode reframes overthinking as something you can work with instead of something you need to fix, so you can move out of self-doubt and into more confident, connected parenting.

Resources Mentioned:

Thinky Thoughts by Gwenna Laithland

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If you’ve ever tried gentle parenting and thought… why isn’t this working? — you are not alone.

So many moms are doing their best to stay calm, validate emotions, and avoid yelling… yet still feel like their kids are pushing limits, ignoring them, or completely running the show.

And that’s where the frustration starts to creep in.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s actually happening when gentle parenting feels ineffective—and why the issue isn’t you.

Because the truth is, gentle parenting isn’t the problem.

The confusion around it is.

You’ll learn how gentle parenting is often mistaken for permissive parenting (and why that shift changes everything), what kids really need to thrive, and how to raise emotionally intelligent kids without losing your boundaries in the process.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The 4 parenting styles (and where gentle parenting actually fits)

The key difference between gentle parenting and permissive parenting

Why lack of structure leads to more power struggles—not fewer

How to use natural consequences to teach responsibility (without punishment)

What emotional intelligence really looks like in kids

How to validate your child’s feelings while still holding firm boundaries

Real-life examples of how to respond when kids push back

Why This Matters

When gentle parenting is misunderstood, it can leave you feeling like you’re failing—even when you’re trying harder than ever.

But kids don’t just need connection.
They need structure, consistency, and clear expectations too.

When you combine emotional intelligence with strong boundaries, that’s when things start to shift.

That’s when you raise kids who are confident, respectful, and able to handle real-world challenges—without you feeling like you have to do everything for them.

Resources Mentioned

Calm Conversations Mini Course
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If you’ve ever felt like you’re being pulled in two directions—trying to show up fully at work while also wanting to be present at home—you’re not alone.

So many working moms feel like they’re constantly falling short somewhere. You’re answering emails while thinking about your kids… or sitting with your kids while your mind is still at work. And no matter what you do, it feels like it’s never quite enough.

In this episode, I talk with Sarah about what actually helps when you’re living in that tension every day. Not unrealistic balance. Not doing more. But setting boundaries that protect your time, your energy, and your relationships—without piling on more guilt.

Because the goal isn’t to do everything perfectly. It’s to create a life where you can actually be present in the moments that matter.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why working parents often feel like they’re “failing at everything”—and what’s really going on beneath that feeling

How to build a “compartmentalization muscle” so you can be present at work and at home

The importance of clearly defining and communicating your boundaries (and why most of us skip this step)

A simple boundary example—like blocking protected time for your kids—that actually works in real life

How technology quietly pulls your attention away (and what to do about it)

The powerful shift of saying “no” without overexplaining or apologizing

What to do when your boundaries are crossed—or when you didn’t realize you needed one until it was too late

How the “Sunday List” can reduce mental load and stop tasks from constantly nagging at you

What “transferring hours” means—and how to use it to create more flexibility in your schedule

Why you don’t have to do everything at your child’s school to be a present, loving parent

Resources Mentioned

Sarah’s book: The Art of the Juggling Act: A Bite-Sized Guide for Working Parents
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Sharing our kids online can feel completely normal. It’s how we connect, document memories, and stay close with family and friends.

But what does it actually mean for our kids to grow up with an audience?

In this episode, JoAnn is joined by journalist and author Fortesa Latifi, who has spent years researching influencer families and the real impact of growing up online. This conversation goes beyond screen time and into identity, trust, and how sharing affects our kids long-term.

This isn’t about guilt. It’s about awareness—so you can make decisions that feel right for your family.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why kids growing up online may struggle with identity as they get older

The difference between consent and informed consent—and why it matters

How sharing content can impact your relationship with your child

The emotional cost of turning everyday moments into public content

Why even casual sharing contributes to your child’s digital footprint

Simple ways to set boundaries around what you share online

Why This Conversation Matters

Today’s kids are growing up in a world where their lives can be documented before they even understand what that means.

This episode helps you take a step back and consider:

Would my child feel okay about this in the future?

Am I sharing for connection or something else?

What boundaries feel right for my family moving forward?

There’s no perfect approach—but there is a thoughtful one.

Resources Mentioned

Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online by Fortesa Latifi

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You know that feeling when your to-do list never actually ends… it just resets the next day?

And somehow, even when you’re doing everything right, you still feel behind.

In this episode, I’m talking with Christine Landis about something that can feel both incredibly logical and deeply uncomfortable: buying back your time.

Because let’s be honest—most of us were never taught that we’re allowed to get help at home. We’ve been conditioned to believe that doing it all is what makes us a “good mom.”

But what if doing it all is actually what’s draining your joy?

Christine, a former CEO and founder of Proxy, shares how delegation at home isn’t about being “extra” or “bougie”—it’s about creating space for the life you actually want to live.

We dive into the emotional resistance, the guilt, and the real cost of trying to handle everything yourself—and how small shifts can completely change how you experience your days.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why moms struggle more with delegating at home than they do at work

The difference between physical tasks and mental load—and why both matter

Signs you’re not buying back your time (even if you think you’re “managing”)

How control and perfectionism keep you stuck doing everything yourself

Simple ways to start outsourcing without feeling overwhelmed

The truth about “mom guilt” when it comes to paying for help

Why knowing how you’ll use your free time makes letting go easie

Why This Episode Matters

So many moms are running on empty—not because they’re doing something wrong, but because they’re doing too much.

And the hardest part?

We’ve been taught to see that overload as normal.

Buying back your time isn’t about doing less for your family.

It’s about creating more space for connection, energy, and joy—with your family.

Because your kids don’t need a mom who does everything.

They need a mom who isn’t completely drained by everything.

Resources Mentioned


Proxy (Christine’s text-based thinking partner for mental load and decision-making). She's giving you 3 months free! Here's how to get it:

1.  Select the 3 month plan here and input code NGM (it will ask for a CC number, you will not be charged ever).2. Complete the profile (takes ~5 minutes)3. S ave Proxy as a contact in your phone (820-732-2625)4. Text it when you need to vent, research or help making a decision in the moment (you can send a voice memo, voice to text, or say "Hey Siri, text Proxy...")5. We respond in real-time, in under 1 minute, with exactly what we would do, if we were you.

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