The Imperfect Mum

This episode is all about something I wish more of us heard growing up: you don’t have to be broken to go to therapy.
You don’t have to wait until everything falls apart, or until you feel “bad enough” to deserve support.

We’ve been fed this idea that therapy is for people who are really struggling (and it is). But  therapy is also for people who want to understand themselves better. Who want to feel lighter, calmer, more connected. Who want to stop surviving and actually start living.

In this episode, I’m exploring:

• Why there’s still so much shame around asking for help
• The sneaky ways this belief shows up in motherhood
• What therapy really looks like (it’s not lying on a couch talking about your childhood… although sometimes it is)
• Why emotional self-care is just as important as physical self-care
• Simple things you can do today to start prioritising your mental health

This is about breaking cycles. Being the mum you needed. And giving yourself the support you’ve always deserved, no crisis required.

[00:00] Introduction to the episode and Natasha's mission to make therapy accessible. [05:03] Generational differences in approaching therapy and mental health. [09:29] The impact of "small t" traumas and their manifestation in adulthood. [15:12] Starting with journaling as a first step towards mental health care. [20:45] Seeking help from specialists for various challenges. [25:30] The importance of self-awareness and being a role model for children.

Links Mentioned:

Counseling Directory link

Join My Mailing List link

 If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe and share it with others who might benefit. Share your thoughts on social media and tag me @natashanyeketherapy

#MentalHealth #TherapyForAll #PreventionIsBetter 

This episode is for you if...
…you’ve ever lost it before 8am, then hidden in the bathroom five minutes later feeling like you’ve failed at this whole calm parenting thing.

Today, I’m talking about a topic I’m so passionate about—why I’m not raising a “good girl” (and what I’m choosing instead).

I talk about the hidden pressure to raise kids who are quiet, compliant, and easy… and why that’s not the same as raising kids who are emotionally healthy and confident.

I share the real reasons why our children’s big feelings feel so threatening, what to use again and again—especially on the messiest days.

We chat about:

• How “good girl” conditioning still lives in you (and what it teaches our daughters)
• Why your child’s meltdown can feel like a personal failure—and why it’s not
• What to say to yourself when you’ve snapped
• What I mean by the 30% rule (hint: it’s not about getting it right all the time)
• What to do when your partner just wants them to "do what they're told"
• Why I’m focusing less on “goodness” and more on connection

And because I’m a therapist and a mum, you know I always want to give you some  practical tools:
 ✨ Nervous system calming tools you can actually use in the moment
 ✨ Journaling prompts to unpack your own “good girl” stories
 ✨ Scripts and mindset shifts for parenting alongside a partner who doesn’t parent like you

If you’re tired of shouting, overthinking, or trying to be perfect—this is for you.

📝 Things I mention in this episode:

• My free printable planners to help you feel more in control of your week: link
• RAY at Glastonbury and the lyric I haven’t stopped thinking about link
• My go-to calming phrase when I feel triggered
• ChatGPT’s advice on night nappies (yep, really)

💛 Want to go deeper?
Explore 1:1 coaching with me or find out more about The Mum Reset: www.natashaneyketherapy.com

📲 Follow me on Instagram: @natashaneyketherapy

This week on the show, we’re talking about something so many of us struggle with—but rarely speak about honestly: fussy eating and the toll it can take on your whole life.

Because it’s never just about what’s on the plate.

It’s the stress at 5pm when no one wants what you’ve cooked.
 It’s the guilt that creeps in when they go to bed without dinner.
 It’s the anxiety that bubbles up when you’re on holiday and they refuse every meal.
 It’s the arguments with your partner or your parents because “you’re too soft.”
 It’s the energy it takes to smile through dinner when inside, you’re completely drained.

This week I’m joined by paediatric dietitian and feeding therapist Emma Shafqat, and together we get into the real side of food struggles—and how to make things feel lighter again.

Emma shares so much information and warmth, and offers practical tools on:
 🍽️ Taking the pressure off mealtimes (for everyone)
🥕 Encouraging your child to explore food without forcing it
🏫 Coping with school dinners when they come home saying “I didn’t eat anything”
🎮 Screens at the table – helpful or harmful?
🧃 Making snacks feel nourishing (without overcomplicating)
👵 Navigating the tension when grandparents or partners think you’re “doing it wrong”

This conversation is a permission slip to stop aiming for perfect plates and start focusing on connection, calm, and what actually works for your family.

Because feeding your child is emotional work. And if you’re in the thick of it—it’s not because you’re failing. It’s because this is hard.

🎧 Listen now 

Connect with Emma Shafqat:
Instagram: @dietitian.withadifference
Contact/Work with Emma: https://dietitianwithadifference.co.uk/contact-me/

—

If this episode resonated with you...
I offer 1:1 therapy and coaching for mums who feel like they’re stuck in the spiral of anxiety, guilt, and pressure to do it all perfectly.

💬 Book a free connection call to find out how we can work together:
 https://natashanyeketherapy.com/work-with-me

Or come say hi on Instagram:
 📲 @natashanyeketherapy

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fussy Eating and Parental Pressure
03:27 Understanding Children's Eating Patterns
06:15 Managing Mealtime Stress and Anxiety
08:59 Exploring New Foods and Overcoming Neophobia
11:38 Strategies for Anxious Eaters
14:25 Navigating School Meals and Social Eating
17:04 The Role of Screens in Mealtime Dynamics
21:09 Identifying Children's Nutritional Needs
24:15 Navigating Parental Differences in Feeding Practices
26:47 Understanding the Impact of Stress on Eating
28:27 Creating a Positive Eating Environment
29:10 Steps to Overcome Food Anxiety
33:59 Intuitive Eating and Listening to Our Bodies

This week I’m joined by Becky — a medium, leadership coach, and founder of Culture Kick — and the reason I have been hounding her to be on the podcast is her energy is contagious. We talk about motherhood, self-development, spirituality, and the reality of trying to be a good parent while also growing as a person.

Becky shares how so many people are miserable in their jobs, and how we can change that by creating cultures — in work and at home — that feel better. This episode is about surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, letting go of guilt, and creating a life that supports who you are now (not who you were before motherhood).

We chat about:

• How motherhood can actually make you even better at your job.
• Why systems at home are just as important as at work.
• The difference between reacting and responding when your kids push your buttons
• The power of gratitude, reflection and small daily pauses. ( I can't bang on about this enough 5 mins sitting in the sun can really change you whole day.
• What intentional parenting really looks like (hint: it’s not about being perfect)

If you’re craving a life that feels calmer, more hopeful, and less like you're on a hamster wheel — this one’s for you.

🛍️ Things we mentioned (and where to find Becky):

• Culture Kick – Becky’s workplace culture consultancy: www.culturekick.co.uk
• It’s a Kind of Magic – Becky’s spiritual & mediumship work on Instagram: @itsakindofmagic_
• Weekly planners – Download my free printable planners to help you feel more in control of your week:link
• Visualize by Dr. Tara Swart – The book I’m loving right now on the power of visualising what you do want
• Manifest by Roxie Nafousi – The book that (literally) fell off the shelf for Becky and kickstarted her spiritual journey

In this episode, I explore the 9 key pillars that support our mental health. This episode is about noticing where you're running on empty and making tiny, doable changes that will make life feel better.

From why hydration is more powerful than you think, to how your environment affects your mood, and the reason rest is not lazy — I share tips from my therapy room, and what I’m learning as a mum, therapist.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, flat, or stuck in a cycle of negative thinking, this episode is your reminder that there is a way to start feeling better.

Takeaways:

• It’s okay to not have everything perfect — just start.
• Hydration really does help your brain and body function better.
• Eating well is about fuel and energy, not punishment.
• Sleep is a game-changer (even a little more can help).
• Stress management tools like journaling and breathwork actually work — even if your brain says they won’t.
• Relationships are everything — we all need people we can be real with.
• Financial worries can deeply impact your wellbeing (you’re not imagining it).
• Your space affects your head — small tweaks can make a big difference.
• Plan your life like you plan your work.
• Small, consistent changes really do add up.

📝 Want to do the exercise I mentioned?
Here’s what to do:

1. Write down the 9 Pillars:
   • Physical health & exercise
   • Nutrition & hydration
   • Sleep
   • Stress management
   • Relationships
   • Purpose & meaning
   • Spirituality & mindfulness
   • Financial stability
   • Environment
2. Score each one out of 10.
3. Choose your lowest 2–3 and write one small, manageable step you could take this week to improve them.

(You’ll get the full breakdown in this week’s email — make sure you’re subscribed! 👉 Here

💃 Fancy dancing your way to a better mood?
Check out my lovely friend Nicola’s Movement is Medicine classes. They're like therapy and clubbing had a baby — seriously good for your nervous system. Here

🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode helped you. It means the world.

🫶 No one needs a perfect mum. Just a present one.

In this episode of The Imperfect Mum podcast, I’m sharing reflections from a recent family holiday, diving into the real struggles so many of us face—body image, self-acceptance, and the pressure to look a certain way. You’ll hear my personal journey with weight, hormonal changes, and the spiral of negative thoughts that can come with it.

I’ll guide you through practical, actionable steps to build a healthier relationship with your body, including:
 ✨ Tips to stop the spiral of negative self-talk
 ✨ Strategies to embrace your body with more kindness and acceptance
 ✨ Simple journaling prompts to help you break free from guilt and shame

Plus, we’ll talk about the power of mental fitness and community support—so you don’t feel alone on this journey.

If you’re ready to start feeling better in your own skin and want to be part of a supportive community, this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s work together on creating a more compassionate, positive relationship with yourself.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Reflections and Family Dynamics
02:44 Body Image Struggles and Societal Pressures
05:37 Navigating Spiraling Thoughts and Self-Compassion
08:30 The Impact of Hormones and Aging on Body Image
11:04 The Reticular Activating System and Mental Fitness
13:43 Journaling for Self-Discovery and Growth
16:34 Embracing Change and Body Positivity
19:19 Practical Tips for Managing Body Image Concerns
21:57 Conclusion and Encouragement for Listeners

💛 Want to work with me?

If you’re tired of the pressure, the perfectionism, and the constant “I should be doing more” — I’d love to support you.

I work 1:1 with mums who want to feel calmer, more connected, and confident in themselves again. Whether it’s navigating anxiety, letting go of guilt, or finding yourself in the chaos of motherhood — we’ll work together to help you feel more like you again.

✨ You can book a free call here to chat more about what’s going on and how I can support you.

I also offer workplace talks and group workshops for businesses who actually want to support working parents properly — not just tick a box.

Just drop me a message or check the links in the show notes if that’s something you’d like to bring into your organisation.

If you've ever caught yourself looking at another mum and thinking, “Am I doing it all wrong?” — this episode is for you.

In today’s episode of The Imperfect Mum, we’re diving into something I see all the time with the women I work with (and yep, I’ve been there too): comparison in motherhood.

While I was on holiday in Corfu with my family, I noticed how easy it is — even when everything looks lovely on the outside — to start questioning ourselves.
 Different routines. Different food choices. Different parenting styles. And suddenly we’re wondering if we’re falling short.

🎧 In this episode, I share:

• What I observed about parenting styles while on holiday
• Why comparing yourself to other mums is such a joy-killer
• The connection between mum guilt, perfectionism, and burnout
• Why parenting isn’t a performance — it’s a relationship
• A journalling exercise to help you tune back into what really matters to you as a parent

If you’ve been feeling like everyone else is coping better, or like you’re always second-guessing yourself — take this as your permission to stop looking sideways and start looking within.

You’re doing better than you think. And your family doesn’t need a perfect mum. They need you.

💛 Mentioned in this episode:

• Free journalling prompts for anxious, overwhelmed mums
• My 1:1 coaching for mums who want to ditch the pressure and feel more connected
• My go-to tools for when anxiety creeps in (journalling, cycle tracking, meditation, and more)

💛 Want to work with me?

If you’re tired of the pressure, the perfectionism, and the constant “I should be doing more” — I’d love to support you.

I work 1:1 with mums who want to feel calmer, more connected, and confident in themselves again. Whether it’s navigating anxiety, letting go of guilt, or finding yourself in the chaos of motherhood — we’ll work together to help you feel more like you again.

✨ You can book a free call here to chat more about what’s going on and how I can support you.

I also offer workplace talks and group workshops for businesses who actually want to support working parents properly — not just tick a box.

Just drop me a message or check the links in the show notes if that’s something you’d like to bring into your organisation.

Welcome back to The Imperfect Mum podcast.
If you’re walking the dog, stuck in traffic, cleaning the kitchen, or wrestling a fitted sheet onto the bed – I see you.

This weeks episode is for you if you feel you're holding everything together… except maybe your relationship.

Today, I'm chatting about what happens to us—as a couple—after we become parents. Because no one really prepares you for how much that changes things.e’ll 

• Why your partner’s love language might suddenly feel like “emptying the dishwasher” (and why that’s valid),
• How the invisible load affects intimacy,
• And why scheduling sex doesn’t mean it’s not sexy – it just means it might actually happen.

This Iis about staying connected in the chaos, having a laugh, and remembering that small moments do matter.

So keep doing whatever you’re doing – I’ll keep you company. Let’s talk about love, resentment, kindness, and how to actually feel like a team again.

& if you love the podcast join my mailing list and download one of my FREEBIES I send out lots of tips and tools to find yourself again after having kids...link

Want to find our about working with me check out my therapy page on the Counselling Directory link

If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning all the plates—mum life, work, trying to be the best version of yourself—but underneath it all, you feel... a bit lost? Then this episode is for you.

In this week’s conversation, I’m joined by the incredible Becci McEvoy—mum, entrepreneur, and someone who knows the burnout spiral all too well. Becci shares how hitting a wall became the turning point that led her to redefine what success actually means for her, and spoiler: it’s not what we were told it should be.

We talk about:

✨ What it means to become the architect of your own life
✨ Why burnout often creeps in when we’re chasing someone else’s version of success
✨ How Becci went from cleaning jobs to creative entrepreneurship
✨ The power of small, daily changes that support your nervous system
✨ The magic that happens when we stop waiting for permission and just take the next step

This one’s for the mums who are quietly wondering if there’s more to life than just surviving the week. For the women craving simplicity, alignment, and that deep sense of this feels right. Becci’s story is a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.

Take a moment to listen—you might just hear something you didn’t even know you needed.

🔗 Connect with Becci on Instagram: @beheardsocials
💫 Want to explore what it could look like to work with me 1:1? Learn more about my coaching here: www.theimperfectmum.com/1-1
 

If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who needs to hear that it’s OK to change direction—and that happiness isn’t selfish. 💛

Big hugs,
 Natasha x

In this episode of The Imperfect Mum I explore the importance of maternal mental health and the unrealistic standards of perfectionism in motherhood. I explore the power of self-compassion, the significance of being a 'good enough' mum, and the impact of modelling kindness and resilience with yourself and how our children learn from what they see. Lots of practical tips for self-care, balancing responsibilities, and breaking the cycle of perfectionism to create a healthier mindset for mothers and a happier life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Maternal Mental Health
03:43 The Concept of the Good Enough Mum
06:32 The Importance of Self-Compassion
09:54 Perfectionism in Motherhood
12:55 The Impact of Perfectionism on Parenting
15:51 Finding Balance and Joy in Motherhood
18:50 The Role of Self-Care
21:38 Challenging Perfectionist Thoughts
24:48 The Cost of Chasing Perfection
27:40 Modeling Imperfection for Our Children
30:56 Conclusion and Reflection
39:51 NATASHA EXIT MUSIC.MP3