I’ve seen firsthand how mom guilt can take a significant toll on a mother’s mental and emotional well-being. The constant self-criticism can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. It can erode self-esteem and create a sense of inadequacy. Over time, this guilt can strain relationships, lead to burnout, and rob mothers of the joy that should come with parenting. One of the most challenging aspects of mom guilt is that it often goes unspoken. As a mother, you may believe you are alone in feeling this way, which only deepens a sense of isolation and shame. But the truth is, mom guilt is incredibly common, and there are strategies to reduce guilt and increase coping.

When I recommend mindfulness meditation as a tool for managing stress and finding inner peace. I am met with pushback. And I get it… because I felt the same way. The idea of sitting still and quieting my mind felt impossible, especially in the chaos of my own daily life where I was balancing a career, a household, and the endless responsibilities of parenthood. Here’s my story and some practical tips for integrating meditation into a busy parent’s life.