Being a mom is hard. Being a working mom? Even harder. In this episode, we dive deep into the myth of "having it all" and the overwhelming pressure society places on moms to be everything to everyone—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

We get real about mom guilt, the constant juggling act, and the emotional toll it takes. Can we ever find true balance, or is that just another unrealistic expectation?

💡 Let's talk about it—because you're not alone.

👇 Share your thoughts in the comments: How do YOU manage the guilt and expectations? What does "having it all" mean to you?

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and HIT THE BELL 🔔 for more real talk, honest stories, and support for working moms. 💕

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One of the hardest questions a working mom can ask herself is, "Is daycare raising my child?" The anxiety and guilt that come with dropping off your little one every morning can be overwhelming. Are they spending more time with their daycare provider than with you? Will they still see you as their primary caregiver? Are you missing out on important milestones?

In this episode, we have a real, honest conversation about the emotional struggles that so many moms face when balancing work and childcare. The guilt is real, but so is the need to provide for our families, maintain our careers, and, for some, find fulfillment outside of motherhood.

We'll discuss: ✅ The emotional impact of daycare drop-offs and how to cope with separation anxiety ✅ The fear of missing milestones and special moments ✅ The guilt of feeling like you're not present enough—and why you shouldn't be so hard on yourself ✅ Tips for strengthening your bond with your child, even when you spend time apart

💬 We want to hear from you! How do you feel about daycare? Do you struggle with mom guilt? Drop a comment below and let's support each other in this journey.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more honest and real conversations about motherhood, working mom life, and the emotional challenges we all face.

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Is screen time bad for young kids? How much screen time is too much for toddlers and preschoolers?

As a busy mom, you've probably wondered: Am I letting my child watch too much TV? Should I be worried about iPads and smartphones? How do I manage screen time without guilt?

In this episode of The Five Minute Mama, we tackle the great screen time debate, breaking down expert advice, real-life struggles, and practical solutions for parents. Whether you're a working mom juggling responsibilities or a stay-at-home parent trying to balance it all, this conversation will help you set realistic and healthy screen time limits for your little ones.

Whether you're dealing with meltdowns over turning off YouTube, struggling to keep your child entertained without screens, or wondering if educational TV counts as "bad" screen time—this episode has got you covered!

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends: 📌 Under 18 months: Avoid screen time except for video chatting. 📌 18-24 months: Limited screen time with high-quality, interactive content. 📌 2-5 years: No more than 1 hour per day of high-quality content, with parental co-viewing.

But let's be real—life happens! Moms need breaks, and sometimes, a 30-minute episode of Bluey or Sesame Street can be a lifesaver. The key is mindful and intentional screen time instead of endless passive watching.

🔎 Fun Fact: Did you know that some studies suggest moderate, high-quality screen time can actually boost language development and cognitive skills? The trick is choosing the right content and engaging with your child while they watch.

If you notice these signs, it may be time to scale back:

❌ Your child throws tantrums when screens are turned off ❌ Difficulty paying attention to non-screen activities ❌ Sleep disturbances or trouble falling asleep ❌ Less interest in outdoor play, books, or hands-on activities ❌ Social withdrawal or struggling with face-to-face interactions

1️⃣ Create a Family Media Plan 📝 – Set clear screen time rules for weekdays and weekends. 2️⃣ Use Screens as a Tool, Not a Babysitter ⏳ – When possible, co-watch and engage with the content. 3️⃣ Prioritize Active vs. Passive Screen Time 🏃‍♂️ – Opt for interactive games or learning apps over passive watching. 4️⃣ Encourage Screen-Free Play 🎨 – Have a list of non-screen activities ready (crafts, puzzles, outdoor games). 5️⃣ Use Screen Time as a Reward, Not a Routine 🏆 – Save it for after homework or chores instead of making it a habit. 6️⃣ Model Healthy Screen Habits 📵 – Kids learn by watching YOU! Reduce your own phone time to set a positive example. 7️⃣ No Screens Before Bed 🌙 – Blue light affects sleep quality, so try to turn off devices at least an hour before bedtime.

Want more details? Listen to the full episode now! 🎧

Not all screen time is created equal! If you're going to allow your child some digital time, here are some of the best educational apps and TV shows to consider:

✔️ Bluey – Encourages imaginative play and emotional intelligence ✔️ Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood – Teaches social-emotional skills ✔️ Sesame Street – Enhances early literacy and problem-solving ✔️ Super Why! – Helps with early reading skills ✔️ Blaze and the Monster Machines – Introduces STEM concepts

✔️ ABCmouse – Comprehensive early learning program ✔️ Khan Academy Kids – Free, high-quality learning app ✔️ Endless Alphabet – Engaging vocabulary and phonics game ✔️ PBS Kids Games – Educational games featuring beloved characters ✔️ Sago Mini World – Interactive and creative play

Remember: Not all screen time is bad—it's about balance, engagement, and quality!

Want to reduce screen time? Try these fun, screen-free alternatives:

🎨 Arts & Crafts: Finger painting, coloring books, DIY crafts 📚 Storytime: Read books aloud or make up bedtime stories 🏃 Outdoor Play: Bubbles, sidewalk chalk, scavenger hunts 🧩 Puzzles & Building: Legos, wooden blocks, or shape sorters 🎶 Music & Dance: Have a dance party or sing along to nursery rhymes 🍪 Cooking Together: Let them help stir, pour, and decorate simple recipes

These activities keep kids entertained while reducing dependency on screens!

💡 What are your screen time rules for your kids? Do you struggle with setting limits? Let's chat in the comments!

📢 Don't forget to: ✔️ LIKE this video if you found it helpful ✔️ SUBSCRIBE for more parenting tips & discussions ✔️ SHARE this episode with other moms who need it!

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In less than 5 minutes I talk about the fact that you WILL lose yourself in motherhood. Is there a way to stop this from happening? NO. But ultimately, you need to find out who your new self is. Listen as I go through rediscovering myself after motherhood.

Just know that the moms you see on social media are highlighting their best moments and it's a HIGHLIGHT REEL.

Ever feel like no matter what you do it's never enough? Let's talk about Mom Guilt in 5 minutes or less today on the 5 minute Mama.

Hi, I'm Elyssa your host and mom of 2, here to real talk with fellow mamas.

Why does mom guilt happen?

Immense pressures from society, cultural expectations and moms place themselves on a pedestal of how they have to be the perfect representation of a mother.

I like to call it Pinterest Moms but we're not here to judge because if you are a Pinterest mom then I envy you.

Social media plays a big role in heightening mom guilt these days. We are exposed to perfectly curated mommy vlogs complete with Alo workout sets and colour matching Stanleys to signify – she's got it together.

To be honest, I have workout sets and a Stanley and I never seem to have it together.

I find most of my mom guilt affects me by not allowing me to be present. What I mean is that I'm always living 2 steps ahead and not living in the moment.

For example, I'm prepping lunch for the next day rather than taking the time to understand how my daughter felt about her day TODAY.

I'm thinking about how I'm going to need to pop back online on my computer while I'm giving my two kids a bath and thinking of how much work I have and when I'm going to eventually go to bed.

The mental load is something else. Is the laundry done? Does my 4 year old have an undershirt for the negative 15 degree day?

And if not how could I have been so forgetful and careless to do something as simple as switch over the laundry?

It's that mental load that plays as a feedback loop in my head making sure I'm the perfect mom and not letting one ball drop.

And what happens after all of this?

I send up crashing and burning on the weekends when I should be spending more time with my kids and actually be having fun.

My kids don't get all of me they just get fragments of me maybe it's slumping on the couch and having them play on the floor like I'm the worst mom ever and then I feel the guilt when I go to bed at night.

I've often think of how I can be more present with my kids and ultimately try to get rid of some guilt sneaks up on me especially on the weekends.

One thing I have been doing is putting my phone in another room where I cannot access it. This forces me to be present in the moment so im not focusing on email or browsing stores to purchase something for them or checking the news which completely derails me.

The second thing I did was stopped comparing myself to other moms I see online. I can appreciate good social media content but when I see these carefully curated day in the life videos I laugh to myself. My matching gap sweat suit is enough.

The third thing I do is ask for help from my partner. I recognize when I need to get out of house, just to get outside out of my environment.

I am trying not to shop so that proves to be difficult but sometimes I go to the community center to read a book on my ereader which has been one of the best purchases as a mom, go to the library or just drive to my favourite thrift store because I LOVE doing that.

When I come back after an hour I feel so much more refreshed and energetic.

Really it's all about recognizing when you start feeling that comparison sneak up on you and shutting off all external communication and reminders that mom life isn't perfect.

If you enjoyed this chat please subscribe here or on Spotify for more mom content in 5 minutes or less on The Five Minute mama.

Are you an anxious mom who is worried about their kids getting sick? Do you find yourself developing anxiety as a mom?

Let's be real and chat about what it's like to develop anxiety as a mom and how I've been able to cope...in under 5 minutes!

Subscribe now for more mom content under 5 minutes!

Are you going back to work from maternity leave? Let me tell you it was the hardest thing I have ever done postpartum (besides all the things including breastfeeding OMG). That said, I have found on month 4 it has gotten easier.

I've uncovered 3 hacks I want to share with you that has made my life easier (not always fun) but managable as well.

The 5 minute Mama is a Podcast made for moms on the go who want to connect on life's topics. Every episode is not longer than 5 minutes so come and hang out with me!

I will be the first to admit that pregnancy changed my perfect little sleep world. 15 months postpartum with my second baby and I'm now in a better place but still I am easily awaken and stirred at night.

I want to talk about how common it is for sleep to be disrupted during the postpartum phase and I don't think I'll ever go back to normal.

Let's normalize abnormal sleep. Do you feel the same?

As we move into 2025, it is imperative that mamas think about themselves for the year to come. This doesn't mean neglecting your family rather incorporating them into how you want your year to go. As long as we tend to neglect ourselves in this year is going to be different.