Mummy Guilt: The full-time job no one asked for!

Mummy guilt. That sneaky, shape-shifting little monster that shows up whether you’re working full-time, staying at home, scrolling your phone, or daring to eat a snack in peace. It whispers in your ear: “You’re doing it wrong. Everyone else has it figured out. Also… shouldn’t you be pureeing organic kale right now?”

Here’s the truth: you could be Supermum, Octopus Woman, and Emotional Support Human all in one, and it still wouldn’t be enough for mummy guilt. Because it’s not logical. It’s baked into our culture like soggy-bottomed banana bread.

Didn’t play long enough with the toddler? Guilt. Fed them beige food three nights in a row? Guilt. Left them with a grandparent to gasp do something for yourself? Oh, the guilt. Went to work and missed the school concert? Triple guilt with a side of tears. Stayed home and felt bored out of your brain? Yep… still guilt.

It’s relentless.

But here’s the thing no one tells you when you're knee-deep in snacks, schedules and suspicious smells: Guilt is often a sign you care. It doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re trying so hard to be everything, for everyone, all the time.

So what do we do with it?

First, laugh. Because if you don’t find the humour in hiding in the bathroom just to eat a biscuit, you might cry. (And crying’s okay too.)

Then remind yourself: You are not meant to lose yourself to raise a family.

You're allowed to want more than snacks and screen time battles. You’re allowed to dream, to rest, to have boundaries, and yes, even to put yourself first sometimes.

The best part? Your kids don’t need a perfect mum. They need a happy, real one. One who teaches them that love and guilt aren’t the same. That boundaries are brave. That asking for help is strength.

So go easy on yourself. You’re already doing more than enough.

Ever had mummy guilt for something ridiculous (or real)? Share your story with us, we’ll laugh, cry, and cheer you on.

Because we’ve been there. We still are. And you’re not alone.

She said it. You can too. ❣️