In today's heart-opening episode, Enda invites you into a deeply personal conversation about something most mothers rarely prioritise-self-compassion.

If you've ever found yourself stretched thin, snapping at your teen when you're already running on empty, or battling that inner voice that says "you should be coping better" — this episode is for you.

Enda opens up about her own story of raising a child far from home, the silent pressures of trying to "do it all," and how the lack of self-compassion once pushed her into burnout. 

But more importantly, she shares how learning to treat herself with kindness became a turning point — and how it can be for you, too.

🌿 In This Episode, We'll Explore:

• The real reason so many mothers resist self-compassion-and why it's costing us
• What the research says about how self-compassion supports emotional regulation (yours and your teen's!)
• Why being kind to yourself is not indulgent -it's protective
• Five gentle, evidence-based ways to bring self-compassion into the mess of daily life
• The ripple effect of calm, how your nervous system teaches your teen to regulate theirs

This episode is not about perfection. It's about permission to pause, to breathe, and to be just a little softer with yourself, especially when life feels heavy.

💭 Questions to Reflect on As You Listen:

1. Where in my life am I still wearing self-sacrifice like a badge of honour?
2. What would change if I treated myself with the same care I offer my child?
3. When was the last time I truly rested without guilt — and what stopped me?
4. Which self-compassion strategy feels realistic to try this week?

📚 Resources and Research Mentioned:

• Dr. Kristin Neff – Creator of the Self-Compassion Break and How Would I Speak to a Friend? Practice. Learn more at self-compassion.org
• Dr. Paul Gilbert – Founder of Compassion-Focused Therapy and research on naming the inner critic
• Gilbert & Procter (2006) – Study showing the benefits of self-compassionate journaling in improving resilience and lowering depressive symptoms
• Hunter & Dickson (2024) – Review of how cultural norms glorify maternal sacrifice and hinder self-kindness
• Journal of Health Psychology (2021) – Findings that many mothers fear practising self-compassion, believing it signals weakness or selfishness
• Harvard Center on the Developing Child – Insight: "Your nervous system shapes theirs" — highlighting how parental regulation supports teen regulation

😊Ready to take your parent-teen relationship to the next level?

💕Check out the Parent-Teen Bond Builder Audit for a personalised roadmap designed for your unique family journey.👇🏾

https://audit.ebbandflowlearning.com/

📖 The 28-Day Self-Compassion Booster Journal is a gentle companion for parents of tweens and teens ready to replace guilt with grace, and burnout with balance. 👇🏾

https://mailchi.mp/endagilbert.com/selfcompassionjournal

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