M.O.M. Files - Moments of Motherhood

Letting Go of What You Didn’t Do As New Years Approaches

As the new year approaches, it’s easy to feel the weight of guilt, pressure, and unmet expectations. In the final episode of this season, Hav and Aleea unpack the emotions that surface at year’s end and why New Year’s resolutions can feel so heavy—especially for moms.They share personal reflections and practical mindset shifts for navigating this season with more self-compassion, honoring what was accomplished, and reframing goals to fit the season of life you’re in. The conversation is a reminder that flexibility matters and that progress—not perfection—is worth celebrating.Listen in for encouragement to slow down, reflect with grace, and step into the new year feeling lighter and more grounded.Thanks for an amazing first season. We will be back with Season 2 in 2026!RESOURCESWinter Solstice articleCiara’s Word of the Year WorkshopAny pregnancy questions (or any other thoughts)? Submit them here!CHAPTERS00:00 Why the new year feels so heavy02:23 “Did I do enough?” year-end self-doubt05:08 Trying to balance it all (and feeling behind)08:22 How social media can warp our progress10:54 When the season messes with your mental health14:11 Small wins still count17:36 You’re in a season19:52 Why traditional New Year’s resolutions don’t work (for some)26:29 Setting intentions that actually feel doable30:36 Learning to be kinder to yourself32:31 Proof you’ve grown more than you think

Holiday Stress? Let’s Talk, Mama

Feeling stressed this holiday season, mama? This week, Aleea and Hav dive into holiday stress—covering grief, family dynamics, and the power of self-care.They share personal stories and practical tips for keeping joy alive, setting boundaries, and honoring loved ones. From navigating tough conversations to prioritizing your mental health, this episode is all about surviving—and even enjoying—the holidays on your terms.Tune in to rethink traditions and protect your peace during the busiest time of the year. RESOURCESMissed the episodes mentioned?Listen to holiday cheer without holiday debtListen to hidden rage of holiday prepListen to toxic family relationshipsFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreative Need podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CHAPTERS00:00 Surviving holiday burnout as a mom01:54 Coping with grief & loss during the holidays04:45 Handling family drama & toxic relationships07:42 Setting boundaries & prioritizing self-care10:21 Rethinking holiday traditions that work for you13:23 How to communicate your boundaries without guilt15:50 Letting go of perfection & finding joy18:52 Preparing your mindset for the New Year

The Aesthetic Gap: Loving Your Home Without the Pinterest Pressure

Feeling the pressure to keep up with social media aesthetics while trying to stay true to your own style? In this episode, Hav and Aleea dive into the real-life struggles moms face around trends, parenting aesthetics, and home decor.They talk about the gap between what you want and what the internet says you should want, and how overwhelming it can feel to manage a home that’s both functional and ‘cute’ while raising kids.Listen in for practical mindset shifts and simple, doable tips to help you create a space that feels right for your family—not the algorithm. RESOURCESMissed the last episode on screen time? Listen in here!Mama ShocksHey sleepy babyKarrie Locher: IG + websiteLooking for cute mom merch? Check out Karrie’s drops using our affiliate link!Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreativeNeed podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CHAPTERS00:00 How social media messes with our mom aesthetic02:08 Feeling the pressure to keep up with trends05:01 Real life vs. Instagram life07:52 The truth about keeping a clean house with kids10:43 Finding a balance between “cute home” and “real life”18:21 What parenting actually looks like behind the scenes20:34 Mindset shifts that make your home feel better fast25:29 DIY, kids, and making your home feel like yours29:12 Small home tweaks that make a big difference33:20 Learning to love the imperfect home life

Screen Time Shame: Let’s Talk About It

Struggling with screen time guilt? 😅 In this episode, Aleea and Hav dive into the tricky world of kids and screens. They share real-life experiences, tips for finding balance, and how to set boundaries without feeling like a “bad parent.”Screens aren’t the enemy—they can be tools for learning, fun, and even relaxation. The key? Being gentle with yourself and remembering that every family has its own rhythm.Listen in for practical screen time strategies and a reminder that love, presence, and connection are what truly make great parenting.RESOURCESFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreative Need podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CHAPTERS00:00 Exciting news!01:11 Screen time drama 😅04:05 Feeling guilty about screens?09:28 Quality vs. quantity — the struggle14:49 Can screens actually teach your kids?17:50 Easy tips to manage screen time26:04 Give yourself a break, mama26:56 Parenting pressure is real… but manageable

When Motherhood Feels Like a Competition

Ever catch yourself stuck in the comparison trap of motherhood? In this episode, Hav and Aleea dive into how social media can quietly fuel comparison—whether it’s parenting styles, milestones, or the picture-perfect lives we see online.They open up about the emotional toll of constantly measuring yourself against other moms and the freedom that comes from embracing your own unique journey. You’ll hear real talk on the difference between healthy and unhealthy comparisons, how to create a more supportive mom community, and why being gentle with yourself matters more than keeping up.Because here’s the truth: just because something felt easy for you doesn’t mean another mom’s struggle isn’t real—and none of us get an award for having it “all together.”Listen in for an honest and supportive conversation about doing our best, our way.P.S. Got any mom groups, communities, or podcasts you swear by? Share them in the comments!RESOURCESFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreative Need podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CHAPTERS00:00 When motherhood feels like a competition11:17 How social media messes with mom life17:10 Getting out of the comparison trap24:20 You’re not the only one feeling this way25:39 Doing motherhood your own way