Can we break free from the suffocating grip of societal expectations and transform the shame of motherhood into a source of strength? In this episode of "Motherhood from the Brain," we explore the unspoken struggles moms face, particularly the emotion of shame. Society's portrayal of motherhood as an effortless, instinctive role is not just unreali…

What if your instinct to yell isn't just about the moment but rooted in ancient survival tactics? Join us as we uncover the complex reasons behind why many moms resort to yelling during stressful moments. From evolutionary behaviors to the impact of our own childhood experiences, we'll explore how these factors shape our reactions today. Discover t…

Yelling at your preteen daughter can feel like a vicious cycle, leaving you both feeling frustrated and disconnected. What if you could break free from this cycle and foster a more peaceful family environment? Esther offers an insightful perspective on understanding why you want to stop yelling, whether it's to avoid the misery it causes, end gener…

Ever felt that sinking feeling in your stomach as Sunday evening approaches? You're not alone. Join me on this episode of Motherhood and the Brain as I open up about my personal battle with the "Sunday Scaries." We'll uncover the historical roots of why this dread of Monday can loom so large, turning what should be a relaxing weekend into a stress-…

Have you ever felt that pang of guilt after yelling at your child, wondering how it might be shaping their future emotional well-being? Join me, as we confront this all-too-common struggle many mothers face in our latest episode of Motherhood from the Brain. We dive deep into understanding why stress and frustration often lead to yelling and how th…

Can you imagine how wonderful it would be if our preteens felt truly empowered to handle their own problems? This week's episode of "Motherhood & the Brain." It’s all about giving us the tools to nurture your preteen's independence while keeping our own emotions in check. You know that impulse we all have to jump in and fix things for your preteen?…

How do you break the cycle of yelling at your kids when you've grown up in an environment filled with raised voices? Join me, as I share my personal journey with the emotional challenges of motherhood. Despite vowing never to yell at my children, I found myself repeating the same behavior when my kids started asserting their independence. I share t…

When a preteen son courageously expressed his wish to live with his father, his mom was overwhelmed with emotions, doubting her role and abilities as a mother. What followed was a journey through the challenges of co-parenting, understanding how our brains resist change, and recognizing our negative biases. These insights are ones I am excited to s…

Discover how to reclaim your peace of mind in the chaos of motherhood as I help you navigate the overwhelm many mothers feel. I'll guide you in distinguishing between the noise in your head and the reality of your situation. You'll learn to sort out your thoughts and identify what's true and what's just heavy interpretation. We'll address the press…

When the laughter around the dinner table turns into a battleground between your preteen and their step-parent, the heartache can feel overwhelming. Imagine if, instead of bracing for the worst, you could approach these family conflicts with a sense of compassion and understanding. That's exactly the journey we're guiding you through, exploring the…

Ever wonder how our childhood experiences affect how we raise our own kids? I'm Esther Mbabazi, and in this episode of Motherhood & The Brain, we talk about how our instincts as moms are influenced by our past. We'll explore why we feel the need to protect our children so much and how sometimes that clashes with the kind of moms we want to be. We'l…

In this episode, I invite you to pause and reflect on your actions and intentions, questioning the status quo and aligning with your family's values and needs. Let's start by unpacking the societal and personal pressures shaping our approaches to motherhood. Why do we parent the way we do? Through introspection, we can discover more satisfying and …

Today, Esther dives into the deep waters of motherhood and career in a way that really hits home. She talks about that tug-of-war many moms feel between returning to work and staying with their baby. Esther brings up societal pressures and the internal battles we face when balancing work and maternal instincts. Then, she introduces this fascinating…

In this episode I delves into the common confrontational scenarios between mothers and preteens, particularly regarding household responsibilities like cleaning rooms. The episode explore the feelings of frustration and failure that can arise from such interactions and challenges the perception of these conflicts as threats to parenting. The import…

In a world where the challenges of motherhood often feel isolating, this episode delves into the universal struggle of getting preteens to listen without resorting to yelling. Through personal stories and insights, I introduce a theme that resonates deeply with mothers navigating the challenges of raising independent-minded children. Drawing from m…

I wanted to share something really special with you today. In this segment, we're diving deep into the heart of motherhood, exploring the diverse emotional journey it entails and the incredible strength it builds within us. We start by unpacking the common negative perceptions surrounding motherhood and empowering you to redefine those perspectives…

In this episode, I delve into the paradox of shielding preteens from discomfort, highlighting the evolutionary instinct of mothers to protect their children while stressing the importance of allowing emotional growth through experiencing discomfort. The Discussion moves to the internal nature of emotions and resilience, emphasizing the necessity fo…

In this podcast episode, I delve into the intriguing link between being a successful professional and struggling with the challenge of yelling at a preteen daughter. It highlights how the high standards and expectations that drive achievement at work can unknowingly spill over into motherhood, resulting in frustration and disappointment when things…

In the latest episode of "Motherhood from the Brain," I delve into the complexities of emotional challenges faced by mothers raising preteen daughters. I share my own struggles with feeling stuck and frustrated in navigating my daughter's behavior. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, I aims to support mothers who may be experiencing sim…

Discover the nuances of social withdrawal in preteens. I talk about the automatic negative interpretations of this phase, advocating for curiosity and reflection to understand your daughter's behaviors better. Recognize the limits of control, dealing with disappointment, and embracing emotional discomfort are crucial steps for mothers. I talk about…

We dive into the fascinating realm of understanding our thoughts and questioning the narratives we've been fed. Have you ever stopped to consider that thoughts are neutral, and it's us who assign them meaning? We often get caught up in certain thought patterns because of ingrained beliefs and societal influences. But here's the kicker: our brains a…

Learn about the ups and downs mothers face and how they can better understand and support their preteens. Discover the importance of creating a safe space for kids to express their emotions without judgment. Explore the balance between guiding children and letting them grow independently. It's a story of empathy, learning, and the incredible impact…

On today’s episode of the Motherhood and The Brain podcast, Esther Mbabazi introduces a tool called the CTFAR model. This model comprises five letters: C for Circumstance, T for Thought, F for Feeling, A for Action, and R for Result. The tool serves as a framework to understand how one's thinking influences outcomes and the mind's role in shaping e…

Ever wondered why you react the way you do? Picture your thoughts as a secret language, shaped by your past and what you see on TV. Now, imagine a teacher saying your kid is failing math – suddenly, fear hits. But here's the twist: it's not the teacher's fault, it's what you think. What if there's a way to change how you think? Dive into the myster…

ver felt that intense frustration as a mom when your kids just won't listen? I used to think I had to hide my anger, but suppressing it only made things worse. In this podcast episode, I share my journey from conflicted silence to mastering my anger. Learn how understanding and embracing your anger can transform your parenting. Imagine a clean bath…

Discover the untold reasons behind parenting outbursts in our latest episode. Ever wondered why yelling becomes a default reaction, even when it's not your child's fault? Uncover the surprising truth about the brain's role and learn how engaging your higher thinking brain can be the key to transforming your parenting approach. Listen in and unlock …