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Podcast Episode 240: The Difference Between Gratitude and Toxic Gratefulness in Motherhood

Picture this: You’ve just put the kids to bed after a long day of juggling work, household chores, and managing meltdowns. As you collapse onto the couch, exhaustion seeps into your bones, and a wave of emotions washes over you. In the midst of it all, you’re told to “just be grateful.”

But what if being grateful feels more like an expectation than a genuine sentiment?

Welcome to the complex realm of motherhood, where the line between gratitude and toxic gratefulness can blur, leaving many moms feeling gaslit for their emotions.

I’ve been there, caught in the whirlwind of societal expectations and personal struggles, where the pressure to be endlessly thankful overshadowed my right to acknowledge the tough moments. It’s a scenario many mothers can relate to—a silent struggle against the narrative that says we should always put on a brave face and count our blessings, no matter the circumstances.

Are you nodding along? If so, you’re not alone. It’s time to unravel the concept of toxic gratefulness and reclaim the power of genuine gratitude in motherhood.

In this episode of the No Guilt Mom podcast you’ll learn:

  • The distinction between toxic gratefulness, which imposes unrealistic expectations on mothers to always be thankful regardless of their circumstances, and genuine gratitude, which involves acknowledging and appreciating the positives in life without dismissing negative emotions.
  • How societal pressures can lead to mothers feeling gaslit for their emotions, being told that they shouldn’t feel bad or resentful, and instead should simply appreciate what they have.
  • About the challenges of motherhood, including the expectations placed on women to fulfill multiple roles and responsibilities without complaint.
  • How patriarchal norms contribute to these pressures by promoting the idea that women should be self-sacrificing caretakers who prioritize others’ needs above their own, thereby stifling their autonomy and emotional expression.
  • Why moms need to embrace authenticity, challenge societal norms, and prioritize self-care, empowering them to acknowledge and validate their own experiences and emotions without guilt or shame.

Resources We Shared In This Episode:

Happy Mom Summit A FREE online virtual event that brings you expert-led sessions, and a thriving community of like-minded moms ready to kick the guilt while raising respectful and responsible kids. The summit will be held live from March 4th to March 8th, 2024.

Join our newsletter! Get connected to No Guilt Mom and get our Stop Doing Checklist absolutely FREE, so you can make a plan on what you can cut back on. 

Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams by Gabrielle Bernstein

No Guilt Mom YouTube Channel Check us out and subscribe to be notified every time we have new videos added for parents and kids, as well as video footage from our podcast episodes!

Read the transcripts HERE

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Brie Tucker

COO/ Podcast Producer at No Guilt Mom
Brie Tucker has over 20 years of experience coaching parents with a background in early childhood and special needs. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Central Missouri and is certified in Positive Discipline as well as a Happiest Baby Educator.

She’s a divorced mom to two teenagers.

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