Clinical Psychologist Jo Lamble discusses the psychology of 'mum guilt' and offers tips to manage it. Additionally, the podcast addresses whether parents should intervene when teens neglect friends for relationships. Jo recommends the card game Bullsh*t for a lighthearted activity.
The psychology behind mum guilt stems from fear and comparison with other parents, leading to a pervasive sense of guilt and self-doubt.
Support teens' choices, understand their perspective, and avoid projecting parental fears onto them to foster open communication and mutual understanding.
Deep dives
Understanding Mum Guilt and its Psychological Roots
Parents often experience mum guilt, feeling like they are failing their kids or struggling with teenagers' issues. The psychology behind mum guilt stems from fear and comparison with other parents. This fear leads to a pervasive sense of guilt, making parents question their every decision. It's crucial to address the fear behind the guilt, set realistic expectations for parenting, and practice self-compassion to overcome the cycle of guilt.
Dealing with Parental Expectations and Guilt
Parents often face pressure to be the primary caregiver, leading to concerns about maintaining friendships and handling teenage relationships. It's important to support teens' choices, understand their perspective, and avoid projecting parental fears onto them. By showing self-compassion and modeling positive behavior, parents can foster open communication and mutual understanding with their teenagers.
Reflections on Parenting Choices and Self-Compassion
Reflecting on past parenting decisions can evoke feelings of guilt and remorse. However, it's essential to acknowledge that decisions were made with the best intentions and based on available information. Practicing self-compassion involves forgiving oneself, learning from past experiences, and letting go of paralyzing guilt. By focusing on growth and self-acceptance, parents can create a supportive and nurturing environment for themselves and their children.
We hear all the time how parents are being struck by 'mum guilt' but what's the psychology behind it? Clinical Psychologist Jo Lamble breaks it down and gives her tips on how we can manage it.
Plus, when your teenager starts neglecting their friends after getting into a relationship, should you intervene? Or is that overstepping? We discuss.
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Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.