Why I’m Not Raising a Good Girl (Even When I Really Want Her to Just Listen)
This episode is for you if... …you’ve ever lost it before 8am, then hidden in the bathroom five minutes later feeling like you’ve failed at this whole calm parenting thing.Today, I’m talking about a topic I’m so passionate about—why I’m not raising a “good girl” (and what I’m choosing instead).I talk about the hidden pressure to raise kids who are quiet, compliant, and easy… and why that’s not the same as raising kids who are emotionally healthy and confident.I share the real reasons why our children’s big feelings feel so threatening, what to use again and again—especially on the messiest days.We chat about:How “good girl” conditioning still lives in you (and what it teaches our daughters)Why your child’s meltdown can feel like a personal failure—and why it’s notWhat to say to yourself when you’ve snappedWhat I mean by the 30% rule (hint: it’s not about getting it right all the time)What to do when your partner just wants them to "do what they're told"Why I’m focusing less on “goodness” and more on connectionAnd because I’m a therapist and a mum, you know I always want to give you some practical tools: ✨ Nervous system calming tools you can actually use in the moment ✨ Journaling prompts to unpack your own “good girl” stories ✨ Scripts and mindset shifts for parenting alongside a partner who doesn’t parent like youIf you’re tired of shouting, overthinking, or trying to be perfect—this is for you.📝 Things I mention in this episode:My free printable planners to help you feel more in control of your week: linkRAY at Glastonbury and the lyric I haven’t stopped thinking about linkMy go-to calming phrase when I feel triggeredChatGPT’s advice on night nappies (yep, really)💛 Want to go deeper? Explore 1:1 coaching with me or find out more about The Mum Reset: www.natashaneyketherapy.com📲 Follow me on Instagram: @natashaneyketherapy
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It’s Not Just About the Food: Fussy Eaters, Family Pressure & Guilt
This week on the show, we’re talking about something so many of us struggle with—but rarely speak about honestly: fussy eating and the toll it can take on your whole life.Because it’s never just about what’s on the plate.It’s the stress at 5pm when no one wants what you’ve cooked. It’s the guilt that creeps in when they go to bed without dinner. It’s the anxiety that bubbles up when you’re on holiday and they refuse every meal. It’s the arguments with your partner or your parents because “you’re too soft.” It’s the energy it takes to smile through dinner when inside, you’re completely drained.This week I’m joined by paediatric dietitian and feeding therapist Emma Shafqat, and together we get into the real side of food struggles—and how to make things feel lighter again.Emma shares so much information and warmth, and offers practical tools on: 🍽️ Taking the pressure off mealtimes (for everyone) 🥕 Encouraging your child to explore food without forcing it 🏫 Coping with school dinners when they come home saying “I didn’t eat anything” 🎮 Screens at the table – helpful or harmful? 🧃 Making snacks feel nourishing (without overcomplicating) 👵 Navigating the tension when grandparents or partners think you’re “doing it wrong”This conversation is a permission slip to stop aiming for perfect plates and start focusing on connection, calm, and what actually works for your family.Because feeding your child is emotional work. And if you’re in the thick of it—it’s not because you’re failing. It’s because this is hard.🎧 Listen now Connect with Emma Shafqat: Instagram: @dietitian.withadifference Contact/Work with Emma: https://dietitianwithadifference.co.uk/contact-me/—If this episode resonated with you... I offer 1:1 therapy and coaching for mums who feel like they’re stuck in the spiral of anxiety, guilt, and pressure to do it all perfectly.💬 Book a free connection call to find out how we can work together: https://natashanyeketherapy.com/work-with-meOr come say hi on Instagram: 📲 @natashanyeketherapyYou’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fussy Eating and Parental Pressure03:27 Understanding Children's Eating Patterns06:15 Managing Mealtime Stress and Anxiety08:59 Exploring New Foods and Overcoming Neophobia11:38 Strategies for Anxious Eaters14:25 Navigating School Meals and Social Eating17:04 The Role of Screens in Mealtime Dynamics21:09 Identifying Children's Nutritional Needs24:15 Navigating Parental Differences in Feeding Practices26:47 Understanding the Impact of Stress on Eating28:27 Creating a Positive Eating Environment29:10 Steps to Overcome Food Anxiety33:59 Intuitive Eating and Listening to Our Bodies
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Motherhood, Mindset & Magic: A Conversation to Reignite Your Spark
This week I’m joined by Becky — a medium, leadership coach, and founder of Culture Kick — and the reason I have been hounding her to be on the podcast is her energy is contagious. We talk about motherhood, self-development, spirituality, and the reality of trying to be a good parent while also growing as a person.Becky shares how so many people are miserable in their jobs, and how we can change that by creating cultures — in work and at home — that feel better. This episode is about surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, letting go of guilt, and creating a life that supports who you are now (not who you were before motherhood).We chat about:How motherhood can actually make you even better at your job.Why systems at home are just as important as at work.The difference between reacting and responding when your kids push your buttonsThe power of gratitude, reflection and small daily pauses. ( I can't bang on about this enough 5 mins sitting in the sun can really change you whole day.What intentional parenting really looks like (hint: it’s not about being perfect)If you’re craving a life that feels calmer, more hopeful, and less like you're on a hamster wheel — this one’s for you.🛍️ Things we mentioned (and where to find Becky):Culture Kick – Becky’s workplace culture consultancy: www.culturekick.co.ukIt’s a Kind of Magic – Becky’s spiritual & mediumship work on Instagram: @itsakindofmagic_Weekly planners – Download my free printable planners to help you feel more in control of your week:linkVisualize by Dr. Tara Swart – The book I’m loving right now on the power of visualising what you do wantManifest by Roxie Nafousi – The book that (literally) fell off the shelf for Becky and kickstarted her spiritual journey
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Want to Feel More Like You Again? These 9 Things Help.
In this episode, I explore the 9 key pillars that support our mental health. This episode is about noticing where you're running on empty and making tiny, doable changes that will make life feel better.From why hydration is more powerful than you think, to how your environment affects your mood, and the reason rest is not lazy — I share tips from my therapy room, and what I’m learning as a mum, therapist.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, flat, or stuck in a cycle of negative thinking, this episode is your reminder that there is a way to start feeling better.Takeaways:It’s okay to not have everything perfect — just start.Hydration really does help your brain and body function better.Eating well is about fuel and energy, not punishment.Sleep is a game-changer (even a little more can help).Stress management tools like journaling and breathwork actually work — even if your brain says they won’t.Relationships are everything — we all need people we can be real with.Financial worries can deeply impact your wellbeing (you’re not imagining it).Your space affects your head — small tweaks can make a big difference.Plan your life like you plan your work.Small, consistent changes really do add up.📝 Want to do the exercise I mentioned? Here’s what to do:Write down the 9 Pillars:Physical health & exerciseNutrition & hydrationSleepStress managementRelationshipsPurpose & meaningSpirituality & mindfulnessFinancial stabilityEnvironmentScore each one out of 10.Choose your lowest 2–3 and write one small, manageable step you could take this week to improve them.(You’ll get the full breakdown in this week’s email — make sure you’re subscribed! 👉 Here💃 Fancy dancing your way to a better mood? Check out my lovely friend Nicola’s Movement is Medicine classes. They're like therapy and clubbing had a baby — seriously good for your nervous system. Here🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode helped you. It means the world.🫶 No one needs a perfect mum. Just a present one.
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Navigating Body Image in a social media world
In this episode of The Imperfect Mum podcast, I’m sharing reflections from a recent family holiday, diving into the real struggles so many of us face—body image, self-acceptance, and the pressure to look a certain way. You’ll hear my personal journey with weight, hormonal changes, and the spiral of negative thoughts that can come with it.I’ll guide you through practical, actionable steps to build a healthier relationship with your body, including: ✨ Tips to stop the spiral of negative self-talk ✨ Strategies to embrace your body with more kindness and acceptance ✨ Simple journaling prompts to help you break free from guilt and shamePlus, we’ll talk about the power of mental fitness and community support—so you don’t feel alone on this journey.If you’re ready to start feeling better in your own skin and want to be part of a supportive community, this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s work together on creating a more compassionate, positive relationship with yourself.Chapters00:00 Holiday Reflections and Family Dynamics02:44 Body Image Struggles and Societal Pressures05:37 Navigating Spiraling Thoughts and Self-Compassion08:30 The Impact of Hormones and Aging on Body Image11:04 The Reticular Activating System and Mental Fitness13:43 Journaling for Self-Discovery and Growth16:34 Embracing Change and Body Positivity19:19 Practical Tips for Managing Body Image Concerns21:57 Conclusion and Encouragement for Listeners💛 Want to work with me?If you’re tired of the pressure, the perfectionism, and the constant “I should be doing more” — I’d love to support you.I work 1:1 with mums who want to feel calmer, more connected, and confident in themselves again. Whether it’s navigating anxiety, letting go of guilt, or finding yourself in the chaos of motherhood — we’ll work together to help you feel more like you again.✨ You can book a free call here to chat more about what’s going on and how I can support you.I also offer workplace talks and group workshops for businesses who actually want to support working parents properly — not just tick a box.Just drop me a message or check the links in the show notes if that’s something you’d like to bring into your organisation.
Have you heard of Matrescence? If the answer is No and you are feeling stuck overwhelmed and like you've lost who you are in Motherhood this is the Podcast for you. I'm Natasha a Mum and Therapist and my goal as a Mother is to show my kids that happiness isn't just a myth you read about in fairy tales. I'm on a journey to normalise the transition we go through as Mothers and help you not just survive it but create lives that feel even better than they did before you became a parent.
Ireland