Hi Reader

Are you overwhelmed and exhausted? Do your kids constantly need your attention, leaving you with no time for yourself?

If so, you’re not alone. Many mothers quietly give up on themselves for the sake of their children. Why? Because we’ve been taught to believe that a “good mom” sacrifices everything. She shows up at every game, makes the healthy snacks, reads to her kids every night, kisses them first thing in the morning, and pushes through even when she’s unwell — and never stops.

But here’s the truth: this belief isn’t just harmful to mothers. It’s harmful to children too.

Children learn what relationships should look like by watching us. If we only ever meet their needs, they won’t learn that relationships require give-and-take, that others’ needs matter too. If we do too much for them, we rob them of the sense of accomplishment and empowerment that comes from doing things themselves. And over time, if our self-worth depends only on our children, they may even begin to feel like they’re carrying the burden of our happiness.

Of course, when our children are infants, their needs have to come first. In those early years, the best thing we can do is get support from others so we can rest, recover, and keep showing up. But as our kids grow, the balance must shift. We need to take care of ourselves — to nurture our own relationships, invest in what fulfills us, protect our health and well-being, and think not only about our children’s future, but also about our future selves.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s part of showing your children what healthy love and responsibility look like. A good mother is not the one who does it all. A good mother is one who leads by example — teaching her kids that caring for yourself and caring for others go hand in hand.

👉 I’d like to invite you to pause and think: what is one small shift you can make today to start treating yourself better?

Hit reply and share it with me — I’d love to hear.