The “Good Mom” Trap That’s Draining You (and how to get yourself back)

I open up about the “good mom trap” and why so many of us feel exhausted, resentful, and disconnected even though we’re doing “all the right things.” I explain that our real issue usually isn’t time, it’s permission—our nervous system has learned that constant busyness equals safety and goodness, while rest and pleasure feel selfish or even dangerous. Drawing on polyvagal theory, I share how past experiences and subconscious patterns train us to stay on the hamster wheel, chasing praise and productivity while slowly abandoning ourselves. I walk you through small, tolerable steps to show your nervous system that it’s safe to slow down and choose yourself—in five-minute breaks, moments of saying no, or doing something purely because you enjoy it. Ultimately, this isn’t just about self-care; it’s about modeling nervous system regulation for our kids and reclaiming our own joy, identity, and aliveness. You make sense, and you matter.

Helpful Resources for you: You Make Sense Podcast with Sarah Baldwin

The Artist Way by Julia Cameron

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