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What if you could love your children deeply while admitting you don't always love the phase of parenting you're currently experiencing? This refreshingly honest conversation between Dr. Beth Trammell and maternal mental health specialist Megan MacCutcheon dismantles one of the most pervasive myths of motherhood: that we must cherish and enjoy every moment.

The episode begins with Megan sharing a revealing Mother's Day experience where she found herself struggling with her elementary school-aged children's behavior, only to later visit her sister and feel nostalgic for the toddler phase she once navigated. This moment of recognition sparked an important realization—different seasons of motherhood naturally resonate differently with us, and that's perfectly normal.

Throughout their discussion, both experts share personal struggles with specific parenting phases while offering practical strategies for managing the more challenging seasons. From the importance of nervous system regulation through simple breathing exercises to creating intentional transitions between work and home life, they provide accessible tools that don't feel like "one more thing" on an already overwhelming to-do list.

Perhaps most valuable is their exploration of the harmful impact of common phrases like "you're going to miss this" or "enjoy every moment," which, while well-intentioned, often intensify feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Instead, they advocate for a more nuanced perspective that allows for the complexity of parenting emotions—the ability to deeply love your children while simultaneously finding certain phases genuinely difficult.

Whether you're currently in a parenting season that feels overwhelming or simply need permission to acknowledge the full spectrum of your motherhood experience, this episode offers both validation and practical wisdom. Subscribe to hear more conversations that honor the real, unfiltered journey of parenting, and visit https://www.meganmaccutcheon.com/ to access additional resources for navigating motherhood's challenging seasons.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

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