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The Best Self-Love Practices for Mums Who Feel Overlooked

The Best Self-Love Practices for Mums Who Feel Overlooked

As a mum, it’s easy to pour your energy into everyone else—your kids, your partner, your work, your home—while putting your own needs on the back burner. Over time, that self-neglect can leave you feeling invisible, undervalued, and disconnected from who you really are.

If you’ve ever thought, “Does anyone even see me?”—you’re not alone.

But here’s the truth: You are worthy of love, care, and appreciation, especially from yourself. Self-love isn’t selfish. It’s the foundation of wellbeing, and the key to showing up for your family from a place of wholeness rather than depletion.

Here are the best self-love practices for mums who feel overlooked—designed to nourish your heart, lift your spirit, and remind you that you matter too.

1. Start with Gentle Self-Talk

If your inner voice is filled with criticism or guilt, it’s time for a mindset shift. You deserve to speak to yourself with the same kindness and compassion you offer your kids.

Try This:

  1. Replace “I’m failing” with “I’m doing my best.”
  2. Begin the day with a kind affirmation like, “I am worthy of love and care.”

Words shape our reality. Let yours be uplifting.

2. Create Tiny Moments Just for You

Self-love doesn’t require hours of free time (though that’s lovely!). It’s about small, consistent moments that reconnect you with you.

Try This:

  1. Sip your coffee in silence before the house wakes up.
  2. Read one page of a book, or listen to a podcast that inspires you.
  3. Take 5 minutes outside to breathe in fresh air.

These pockets of presence add up.

3. Reclaim Something You Love Doing

Remember what made you feel like you before motherhood? Reclaim it.

Try This:

  1. Revisit a hobby (even for 10 minutes a week).
  2. Sign up for that class or creative project.
  3. Make space for something that’s just yours—no guilt.

Self-love is remembering that you are a whole person, not just a role.

4. Write Yourself a Love Note

Yes, really. When was the last time you acknowledged yourself?

Try This:

Write a short note or journal entry that celebrates:

  1. What you’ve overcome
  2. What you’re proud of
  3. What makes you special

Pin it on your mirror. Read it when you forget how amazing you are.

5. Nourish Your Body with Intention

Fueling your body with love is an act of self-respect. You don’t need to follow a strict wellness plan—just tune in to what your body needs.

Try This:

  1. Drink more water.
  2. Eat nourishing foods that make you feel energised.
  3. Stretch or move in a way that feels good.

Honour your body like the powerhouse it is.

6. Set Boundaries That Protect Your Energy

When you feel overlooked, it may be because your needs are always last. Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about showing yourself love and respect.

Try This:

  1. Say no without guilt when your plate is full.
  2. Ask for help instead of doing it all.
  3. Protect time in your week that’s just for you.

You teach others how to treat you by how you treat yourself.

7. Celebrate Small Wins Every Day

Motherhood is made of tiny victories—getting everyone dressed, keeping calm during chaos, showing up when it’s hard. These wins matter.

Try This:

At the end of each day, write down 1-3 things you did well.

Big or small, they’re proof that you’re doing an incredible job.

8. Surround Yourself with Uplifting People

You don’t have to do this alone. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your worth, not drain it.

Try This:

  1. Join a supportive mums’ group.
  2. Follow accounts online that promote self-love and real motherhood.
  3. Spend time with friends who lift you up.

You deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

You Are Not Invisible – You Are Invaluable

If you’ve been feeling overlooked, know this: you don’t need outside validation to begin loving yourself again. Self-love is the daily decision to treat yourself with kindness, even when the world is chaotic. Especially then.

Start small. Speak kindly to yourself. Take one moment today to honour your needs.

Because when you treat yourself like someone who matters—you become someone who remembers their worth.

And Mumma, you matter more than you know.

How to Let Go of the Pressure to Be a ‘Perfect Mum’

How to Let Go of the Pressure to Be a ‘Perfect Mum’

Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences, but let’s be real—it’s also one of the most testing. Whether it’s tantrums, endless “why” questions, fighting siblings, or refusing to listen, there are moments when our patience is stretched thin.
You love your kids, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel frustrated or overwhelmed. The key isn’t to never lose patience (because let’s face it, we’re human), but rather to find ways to stay calm and respond, instead of react.
 
If you’re feeling like you’re one meltdown away from a meltdown yourself, here are some practical ways to keep your cool and stay patient, even when your kids are pushing your limits.
 

1. Take a Deep Breath (or Five!)

It sounds simple, but in the heat of the moment, taking a deep breath before reacting can make a world of difference. When we’re frustrated, our body goes into stress mode, and our brain defaults to quick, emotional reactions. Taking a breath gives you a pause—a chance to choose patience over frustration.
Try This:
  • Before reacting, take 5 slow, deep breaths (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 6).
  • Imagine yourself breathing in calm and exhaling frustration.
  • Walk away for a moment if needed. It’s okay to take a pause.
Patience isn’t about never feeling frustrated—it’s about learning how to manage those feelings before they take over.
 
 

2. Reframe the Situation: It’s Not Personal

When your child is having a meltdown or repeatedly ignoring instructions, it can feel like they’re intentionally testing your limits. But in most cases, they’re not trying to drive you crazy—they’re just being kids.
Try This:
  • Instead of thinking, Why are they doing this to me?! try asking, What’s really going on here?
  • Remind yourself: Your child isn’t giving you a hard time, they’re having a hard time.
  • Stay curious—could they be tired, hungry, overstimulated, or needing connection?
Shifting your mindset from “They’re being difficult” to “They’re struggling” helps you respond with understanding instead of frustration.
 

3. Lower Your Expectations (for Them & Yourself!)

Let’s be honest—sometimes our frustration comes from expecting too much from our kids. We want them to listen the first time, behave perfectly in public, and never argue. But they’re learning, growing, and testing boundaries—it’s part of childhood.
Try This:
  • Remind yourself of their age and stage—a toddler isn’t going to sit still for long, and a 6-year-old will struggle with emotional regulation.
  • Adjust your own expectations—you’re not supposed to be a perfect parent. You’re learning too!
  • Celebrate the small wins instead of focusing on what’s not going right.
Sometimes, just adjusting your expectations can relieve frustration before it even begins.
 

4. Create a “Patience Plan” for Difficult Moments

Instead of waiting until you’re already frustrated, create a simple plan for how you’ll handle challenging moments in advance.
Try This:
  • When your patience is running low, use a mantra like “I am calm. I am present. I’m okay.”
  • Have a go-to strategy—whether it’s stepping outside, counting to 10, or taking a sip of water.
  • If needed, remove yourself from the situation for a moment to regain composure.
Preparing ahead of time makes it easier to stay patient when emotions are high.
 

5. Use Humour to Diffuse Tension

Sometimes, the best way to reset a tense moment is to find the humour in it. Kids have a way of doing the most ridiculous things at the most inconvenient times. Instead of letting frustration build, lean into the chaos and laugh when you can.
Try This:
  • If your child is throwing a fit over something minor, try making a silly face or using a goofy voice.
  • Turn a frustrating situation into a game (e.g., racing to clean up toys instead of nagging).
  • Remind yourself: One day, you’ll probably laugh about this moment!
Not everything needs to be serious. A little humour can go a long way in keeping your patience intact.
 

6. Take Care of Yourself (Because Burnout = No Patience)

It’s so much harder to stay patient when you’re running on empty. If you’re constantly exhausted, overstimulated, and overwhelmed, even minor frustrations can feel impossible to handle.
Try This:
  • Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, food, and breaks.
  • Schedule 5-10 minutes of self-care daily (even if it’s just a quiet cup of tea).
  • Ask for help when you need it—you don’t have to do it all alone.
A well-rested, emotionally balanced mum is naturally more patient. Prioritise yourself too!
 

7. Repair & Apologise When You Lose Patience

Let’s be real—we all lose our patience sometimes. But what matters is how we handle it afterward.
Try This:
  • If you snap at your child, take a moment to calm down and apologise.
  • Say something like, “I got frustrated, and I’m sorry for yelling. I love you, and I’ll try to handle my emotions better next time.”
  • Teach your child that it’s okay to make mistakes—and how to repair them.
Apologising shows your kids that even parents have big feelings—and that love is always stronger than frustration.
 
 

Patience is a Practice, Not Perfection

Staying patient when your kids are pushing your limits isn’t always easy, but it is possible. The goal isn’t to never feel frustrated—it’s to learn how to manage those feelings before they turn into reactions you regret.
So next time you feel your patience slipping, pause, take a breath, and remind yourself:
  • You’re doing your best.
  • This moment will pass.
  • You are a great mum—even on tough days.
Stay Patient When Your Kids Push Your Limits

Stay Patient When Your Kids Push Your Limits

Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences, but let’s be real—it’s also one of the most testing. Whether it’s tantrums, endless “why” questions, fighting siblings, or refusing to listen, there are moments when our patience is stretched thin.
You love your kids, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel frustrated or overwhelmed. The key isn’t to never lose patience (because let’s face it, we’re human), but rather to find ways to stay calm and respond, instead of react.
 
If you’re feeling like you’re one meltdown away from a meltdown yourself, here are some practical ways to keep your cool and stay patient, even when your kids are pushing your limits.
 

1. Take a Deep Breath (or Five!)

It sounds simple, but in the heat of the moment, taking a deep breath before reacting can make a world of difference. When we’re frustrated, our body goes into stress mode, and our brain defaults to quick, emotional reactions. Taking a breath gives you a pause—a chance to choose patience over frustration.
Try This:
  • Before reacting, take 5 slow, deep breaths (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 6).
  • Imagine yourself breathing in calm and exhaling frustration.
  • Walk away for a moment if needed. It’s okay to take a pause.
Patience isn’t about never feeling frustrated—it’s about learning how to manage those feelings before they take over.
 
 

2. Reframe the Situation: It’s Not Personal

When your child is having a meltdown or repeatedly ignoring instructions, it can feel like they’re intentionally testing your limits. But in most cases, they’re not trying to drive you crazy—they’re just being kids.
Try This:
  • Instead of thinking, Why are they doing this to me?! try asking, What’s really going on here?
  • Remind yourself: Your child isn’t giving you a hard time, they’re having a hard time.
  • Stay curious—could they be tired, hungry, overstimulated, or needing connection?
Shifting your mindset from “They’re being difficult” to “They’re struggling” helps you respond with understanding instead of frustration.
 

3. Lower Your Expectations (for Them & Yourself!)

Let’s be honest—sometimes our frustration comes from expecting too much from our kids. We want them to listen the first time, behave perfectly in public, and never argue. But they’re learning, growing, and testing boundaries—it’s part of childhood.
Try This:
  • Remind yourself of their age and stage—a toddler isn’t going to sit still for long, and a 6-year-old will struggle with emotional regulation.
  • Adjust your own expectations—you’re not supposed to be a perfect parent. You’re learning too!
  • Celebrate the small wins instead of focusing on what’s not going right.
Sometimes, just adjusting your expectations can relieve frustration before it even begins.
 

4. Create a “Patience Plan” for Difficult Moments

Instead of waiting until you’re already frustrated, create a simple plan for how you’ll handle challenging moments in advance.
Try This:
  • When your patience is running low, use a mantra like “I am calm. I am present. I’m okay.”
  • Have a go-to strategy—whether it’s stepping outside, counting to 10, or taking a sip of water.
  • If needed, remove yourself from the situation for a moment to regain composure.
Preparing ahead of time makes it easier to stay patient when emotions are high.
 

5. Use Humour to Diffuse Tension

Sometimes, the best way to reset a tense moment is to find the humour in it. Kids have a way of doing the most ridiculous things at the most inconvenient times. Instead of letting frustration build, lean into the chaos and laugh when you can.
Try This:
  • If your child is throwing a fit over something minor, try making a silly face or using a goofy voice.
  • Turn a frustrating situation into a game (e.g., racing to clean up toys instead of nagging).
  • Remind yourself: One day, you’ll probably laugh about this moment!
Not everything needs to be serious. A little humour can go a long way in keeping your patience intact.
 

6. Take Care of Yourself (Because Burnout = No Patience)

It’s so much harder to stay patient when you’re running on empty. If you’re constantly exhausted, overstimulated, and overwhelmed, even minor frustrations can feel impossible to handle.
Try This:
  • Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, food, and breaks.
  • Schedule 5-10 minutes of self-care daily (even if it’s just a quiet cup of tea).
  • Ask for help when you need it—you don’t have to do it all alone.
A well-rested, emotionally balanced mum is naturally more patient. Prioritise yourself too!
 

7. Repair & Apologise When You Lose Patience

Let’s be real—we all lose our patience sometimes. But what matters is how we handle it afterward.
Try This:
  • If you snap at your child, take a moment to calm down and apologise.
  • Say something like, “I got frustrated, and I’m sorry for yelling. I love you, and I’ll try to handle my emotions better next time.”
  • Teach your child that it’s okay to make mistakes—and how to repair them.
Apologising shows your kids that even parents have big feelings—and that love is always stronger than frustration.
 
 

Patience is a Practice, Not Perfection

Staying patient when your kids are pushing your limits isn’t always easy, but it is possible. The goal isn’t to never feel frustrated—it’s to learn how to manage those feelings before they turn into reactions you regret.
So next time you feel your patience slipping, pause, take a breath, and remind yourself:
  • You’re doing your best.
  • This moment will pass.
  • You are a great mum—even on tough days.
Mum Burnout is Real: How to Recognise It & Recover

Mum Burnout is Real: How to Recognise It & Recover

Motherhood is a beautiful, fulfilling journey, but let’s be honest—it’s also exhausting. Between the never-ending to-do lists, sleepless nights, and emotional demands, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’ve ever found yourself running on empty, snapping at your kids, or feeling like you just can’t do this anymore – you might be experiencing mum burnout.
Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s deep, chronic exhaustion that affects your body, mind, and emotions. The good news? You can recover from it and prevent it from taking over your life. Let’s dive into what mum burnout really looks like and, more importantly, how you can recharge and reclaim your energy.

What is Mum Burnout?

Mum burnout is chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, high expectations, and a lack of self-care. Unlike everyday tiredness, burnout leaves you feeling completely depleted, detached, and often resentful of your responsibilities.
It happens when you give and give—without ever taking time to refill your own cup.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing Mum Burnout

If you’re wondering whether you’re dealing with burnout or just the usual exhaustion of motherhood, here are some red flags:
  • Constant Fatigue – No matter how much sleep you get, you still feel drained.
  • Irritability & Short Temper – You find yourself snapping at your kids or partner over small things.
  • Emotional Detachment – You feel numb, disconnected, or like you’re going through the motions.
  • Overwhelm & Anxiety – Even small tasks feel like too much to handle.
  • Feeling Unappreciated – You start resenting the fact that no one seems to notice all that you do.
  • Loss of Joy – Activities that once made you happy no longer bring you pleasure.
  • Physical Symptoms – Headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, or frequent illnesses due to stress.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to take burnout seriously. Ignoring it won’t make it go away—it’ll only make things worse.

How to Recover from Mum Burnout

The first step to healing from burnout is acknowledging that you deserve rest and care too. Here’s how to start your recovery:
1. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Burnout happens when we push through exhaustion instead of listening to our bodies. It’s okay to pause. You don’t have to do everything right now.
💡 Action Step: Give yourself permission to rest without guilt. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of sitting quietly with a cup of tea, start somewhere.
2. Stop Trying to Be Supermum
Society places enormous pressure on mums to “do it all,” but perfection is impossible. The house doesn’t have to be spotless. Your kids don’t need gourmet meals every night. Let go of the pressure to be everything to everyone.
💡 Action Step: Choose one thing to let go of this week—whether it’s an unnecessary chore, a commitment, or an unrealistic expectation.
3. Ask for Help (and Accept It!)
You are not meant to do this alone. Whether it’s your partner, family, or friends, ask for help when you need it. If someone offers to watch the kids or cook a meal—say yes!
💡 Action Step: Reach out to one person today and ask for support with something small.
4. Prioritise Yourself—Even in Small Ways
Self-care isn’t about spa days (although that would be nice!). It’s about doing small things every day that make you feel human again.
  • Take a shower in peace.
  • Read a chapter of a book.
  • Go for a 10-minute walk.
  • Eat a meal while actually sitting down.
  • Drink your coffee while it’s still hot!
💡 Action Step: Write down one self-care activity you can do today—and do it.
5. Set Boundaries & Learn to Say No
If you’re constantly overcommitting and feeling drained, it’s time to set boundaries. You do not have to attend every event, volunteer for every school function, or say yes to every favour.
💡 Action Step: Practice saying no to something that doesn’t serve you. Protect your energy.
6. Reconnect with Yourself
Motherhood can make you feel like you’ve lost you. Take time to reconnect with who you are outside of being a mum. What did you love before kids? What lights you up?
💡 Action Step: Spend 30 minutes this week doing something just for you—whether it’s journaling, painting, exercising, or watching your favourite show.
7. Seek Professional Help
If you’re feeling persistently overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, reach out!
Working with a Coach, or Therapist will fast track you to feeling more energised – mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
Burnout can take a serious toll on your overall health, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
It’s always a good idea to check in with Naturopath, or Integrative GP who can test all your levels. Our bodies need the right fuel to feel energised and when we’re out of balance internally, this can have a serious impact on our mental and emotional health. (Over 90% of your serotonin is manufactured in your gut, so whatever action you take, note that a holistic approach will always be the most powerful step to an energised life!)
💡 Action Step: If burnout feels unmanageable, consider talking to a professional who can guide you toward healing.

You Deserve to Feel Good Again

Mum burnout is real, but it’s not a life sentence. You are not failing—you’re just human. And just like you care for your kids, you deserve that same love and care.
So today, I encourage you to take one small step toward recharging your energy and reclaiming your joy. Because when you take care of yourself, you’re not just doing it for you—you’re doing it for your family too. 💛