In this emotionally impactful episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we dive into the deep, often hidden struggles that working parents face: guilt and shame. Our guest, Karen Brooks, brings over 20 years of experience working with at-risk youth, survivors of sexual assault, and now, as a life coach for adolescent girls. We unpack the origins of working parent guilt, how it affects relationships with children, and what strategies can help parents reclaim peace and balance. If you’re a working parent or want to better understand the emotional toll it can take, this episode is filled with insight, compassion, and actionable advice to help you move forward with self-compassion.

Tune in to hear:

• What "working parent guilt and shame" really means and how it shows up in daily life
• Common triggers that lead to feelings of guilt and shame among working parents
• How guilt and shame affect a parent's relationship with their children and overall well-being
• The role societal expectations and cultural norms play in making these feelings worse
• Real-life examples of how parents manage these emotions and their long-term impact on children
• How to recognize when guilt or shame is becoming toxic to your mental and emotional health
• Practical strategies and tools to manage, overcome, and release guilt and shame as a working parent
• The critical importance of self-compassion and ways to cultivate it in your life Advice for working parents struggling to find balance between work and home

Guest Information: Karen Brooks, MSW, PCC, is a certified life coach specializing in the development of adolescent girls, with decades of experience in trauma care, mental health, and advocacy. Karen's passion is helping parents and teens alike overcome emotional challenges and lead more empowered lives.

Find Karen at https://guidedgrowthteencoaching.com/ or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-brooks-guidedgrowth/

Resources mentioned: Try Magicmind, the productivity elixir Kerri swears by: https://magicmind.com/kerriroberts to get money off your first order. Looking for a new daily vitamin? Get GEM: go to dailygem.co and use code GEM-A-KERRIROBERTS for money off your first order.

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