Parenting is hard, and there are so many rules, shoulds, and external expectations that can lead to feelings of mom guilt. In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Jillian Neill, a psychologist specializing in the parenting transition. We talk about:

• What is mom guilt.

• Guilt verses shame verses regret.

• The ways in which external expectations, rules, and shoulds create mom guilt.

• The structural factors and things out of our control that shape our parenting experience.

• Identifying your values as part of pushing back against mom guilt.

• The importance of self-compassion.

I see so much guilt over normal, healthy tools in so many parents (mostly based on the fear based sleep training culture and unrealistic expectations) and this was such a great conversation to have. I hope it gives you some food for thought the next time you are feeling guilty about something parenting related.

About Jillian
Dr. Jillian Neill is a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with parents and aspiring parents on the challenges that come up in the transition to parenthood, including mental health concerns, relationship issues, identity conflicts, and trauma. She provides individual and group therapy to parents across the DC region and beyond as a member of Dr. Emma Basch and Associates. She is a firm believer that mom guilt is bullshit and loves empowering moms to live their values and make parenting and life decisions that support themselves as people, not just parents.

Connect with Jillian
https://www.dremmabasch.com/jillian-neill
Instagram: theparentingpsych

Resources related to this episode
Self-compassion: https://self-compassion.org/

Connect with Kim
Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc
Facebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc