Mum Guilt: Why It Hits Working Mums Hardest (and What You Can Do About It)

It’s the end of the day, and instead of feeling proud of everything you juggled, you’re lying in bed replaying all the ways you think you “got it wrong.”

You snapped at your child.
You missed story time because of a late meeting.
You served fish fingers (again).

And now the guilt sets in.

It's soul destroying, and although mum guilt is almost universal, for working mums, it often hits the hardest. Let’s talk about why, and what you can do to start breaking free.

Why Mum Guilt Shows Up

At its core, guilt is meant to be helpful. It’s our brain’s way of nudging us when we’ve gone against our values. But in motherhood, guilt often gets hijacked. Instead of being a useful signal, it becomes constant background noise. 

For working mums, this guilt is amplified by:

• Cultural Expectations → The outdated idea that “good mums” are available 24/7.
• Comparison Culture → Social media showing perfectly curated parenting moments.
• Double Pressure → Career expectations and family responsibilities, with little room for error.

The Problem With Constant Guilt

Here’s the tricky thing. Occasional guilt can guide us. But constant guilt just drains us.

When guilt becomes your norm, it:

• Chips away at your confidence.
• Keeps you stuck in overthinking instead of enjoying the moment.
• Makes you feel like you’re failing even when you’re doing your best.

And perhaps the most damaging thing is that it tells you a lie - that loving your work and loving your family can’t coexist.

What You Can Do About Mum Guilt

You can’t stop guilt from showing up altogether (you’re human!). But you can change your relationship with it.

Here are a few gentle ways to start:

1. Notice It Without Judgment

Instead of fighting guilt, try naming it: “This is guilt. It’s not proof I’m a bad mum.”

2. Check the Story

Ask: “Is this guilt based on a real value of mine, or is it someone else’s expectation?” If it’s the latter, you get to let it go.

3. Find the “Good Enough” Middle Ground

Perfect parenting doesn’t exist. Focus on small, consistent moments of genuine connection instead.

4. Practice Self-Compassion

When guilt shows up, talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a friend: “You’re tired, you’re trying, and that’s enough.”

Why Mum Guilt Isn’t the Full Story

If you take one thing away, let it be this - guilt doesn’t mean you’re failing.

And the very fact that you’re reading this proves you’re a thoughtful, loving mum.

You don’t need to get rid of guilt entirely, you just need tools to stop it consuming you.

Your First Step to Quieting Mum Guilt

If you’re ready to stop guilt from running the show, I’ve created something just for you: “The Calm Within the Chaos: The 12-Minute Reset Every Working Mum Needs.”

This free guide will help you:

• Reframe guilt as a signal of care, not failure.
• Calm your nervous system in just 12 minutes a day.
• Take the first step toward feeling calm, confident, and good enough.

👉 Click here to download your free guide now

Because you deserve to feel supported and not stuck in a cycle of guilt and overwhelm.