Mom 2.0: Self-Care Isn't a Reward for Moms Episode summary

• • I went to Mom 2.0 in Austin by myself and knew literally no one, which sounds brave and also felt like a full-body nervous system moment.
  • I'm sharing the story of walking into the kickoff happy hour late, having my stomach drop, and then finding connection through one brave "hi" at the water cooler.
  • This episode is also about the shift I'm practicing in real time: self-care isn't something moms earn with output, and rest doesn't require receipts.

In this episode you'll learn

• • • Why walking into a room alone can feel like a nervous system jump scare (and why that doesn't mean you're doing it wrong).
    • How "one brave sentence" can change the whole trajectory of a moment when you feel like the new kid.
    • What it looked like to practice real recovery as an ambivert: connection, then a true downshift (walk + Tex-Mex + audiobook).
    • A permission reframe: you don't need to be impressive to deserve rest.
    • Tiny ways to practice "Do Not Disturb" energy in regular life, even when life isn't calm.

Tiny Wins to try this week

• • The "new room" rep: do one thing where you're the new person (one class, one meetup, one school event).
  • The water cooler rule: find a safe anchor (water/food/edge of room) and say one sentence to one person.
  • The real handoff: take one block of time where you're truly off-duty (not managing from the background).
  • Phone-down dinner: one meal without scrolling so your brain can actually exhale.
  • Pick one. One is enough.

Free resources

• • Volcano Moments Guide — a simple plan for big feelings building moments so you're not improvising mid-eruption: https://psyched2parent.myflodesk.com/volcanomoments

Disclaimer

• • This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical, psychological, or legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a provider-client relationship. If you're concerned about your child's mental health, safety, or development, please consult a qualified professional in your area.

Links & follow

• • Shownotes + previous episodes: https://psyched2parent.com/podcast/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psyched2parent/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psyched2parent/
  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@psyched2parent

Brands mentioned

• • Mom 2.0 Conference: https://mom2.com/
  • Sippi Kids (water in a box): https://sippikids.com/
  • Ocean & Olive: https://ocean-olive.com/

People mentioned (Mom 2.0 connections + favorite session)

• • Ashley (LMFT), The Modern Parent
  • Tara Clark, Modern Mom Probs Podcast
  • Dr. Noelle Santorelli
  • Dr. Kim Van Dusen, author of the book: Parenting Through Play
  • Dr. Rachel Goldman, author of the book When Life Happens