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Why working moms feel guilty when their kid is not happy, even when they did nothing wrong

July 17, 2026 · 17 min

Show notes

You measure whether you're doing this right by something you don't actually control. A mood. A reaction. Whether your kid is happy with you in this exact moment.

And if that's the measure, you're going to fail constantly. Not because you're doing anything wrong. Because moods aren't evidence. They're weather.

A few weeks ago, Andi told her daughter she was leaving for the evening, and got a look that landed right in the middle of her chest. What happened next is not the story you'd expect. She didn't cave, and she didn't carry it home with her either.

This episode is about two feelings working moms have been treating as one, and what changes the moment you stop confusing them.

Topics Covered: working mom guilt, mom guilt, working mom mental health, ambitious working mom, mental load, boundaries working mom, default parent, working mom identity, mom self compassion

Meditation music by Natureseye from Pixabay

Want to have clarity about your values? Go to www.momtoring.com and download the exercise.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next. New episodes every week.

If something landed for you, share it with another working mom who needs to hear it.

And if you're ready to go deeper, find me at www.momtoring.com or come say hi on Instagram at @andi.momtoring. I'd love to hear what cracked open for you.

Questions, reflections, or just want to reach out? Write to me at [email protected].

Music by prettyjohn1 from Pixabay

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