What's up everyone? This is Bite of Balance, your weekly snack size therapy session. I'm your host, teresa, and today's Bite is all about mom guilt, acknowledging we have it and how we can deal with it. So if you missed that episode, be sure to check it out, but for now it's just you and me, so let's freaking, get into it, okay.

So guilt, the heavy burden we all know too well. We defined it, dissected it and realized it's like navigating a maze of societal rules, cultural norms and our own internal values. Guilt, that pesky emotion, holds immense power, especially when it tugs at our values, creating internal conflict. As we age, guilt evolves, taking different forms, but it's always there, shaping our decisions and influencing our relationships. So now let's categorize guilt Appropriate guilt, the one that aligns with our values, gives us a chance for growth. It nudges us to apologize, make amends and set intentions for positive change. Now, on the flip side of that irrational guilt is messy, filled with unprocessed baggage.

Mom guilt often falls into this category, with society setting unrealistic expectations, making it an uphill battle for parents, like are you a stay at home mom? Well, maybe you should go work. Are you a working mom? Well, you don't spend enough time with your kids. Seriously, you cannot win. The struggle is real and the guilt can be overwhelming. Parental guilt, or specifically mom guilt, affects not just the mental well-being of parents, but also shapes the long-term narrative and expectations for their children. The statistics are staggering 94% of moms report feeling some form of mom guilt throughout motherhood. It's a powerful force shaping decisions, influencing relationships and impacting the well-being of both parents and children.

So, as a mom, I know all too well how much mom guilt sucks. You can have it all together one day. The car is packed with all the kids' things they need for their sports, all the lunches are packed and made, all the water bottles are full and you arrive to the baseball field and one of your kids doesn't have his damn hat, and somehow it is your fault. I've been there, I've done that and realized if I don't come up with a way to navigate these insane waters, I'm going to perpetually lose my shit. So for all the amazing moms out there dealing with mom guilt, here's a takeaway tool. Remember you cannot pour from an empty cup. Prioritize self-care without guilt, because taking care of yourself enables you to be the best version for your kids. Grate yourself grace and fill your cup so you can navigate the challenges of parenting with strength and resilience. Until next time I'm out.