The Mama Shrink Podcast with Dr. Cynthia Edwards-Hawver is a raw, compassionate space for midlife moms navigating the emotional aftermath of toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, divorce, and burnout. Hosted by a licensed psychologist and certified coach with 25+ years of experience (and lived it herself), Dr. Cynthia dives deep into the hard stuff: gaslighting, single parenting, parallel parenting with a high-conflict ex, emotional exhaustion, identity loss, grief, and healing. Each episode brings insight, validation, and real tools for women parenting through pain and trying to rebuild their lives—without shrinking themselves in the process. Whether you’re recovering from a toxic marriage, trying to set boundaries, or just crying in your car between drop-offs, you’re not alone. Subscribe now to reclaim your strength and take your next brave step toward healing.
Episodes
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Have you ever wondered how you can truly take care of your kids while ensuring you
take care of yourself?
Hey there, it's Dr. Cynthia Hawver, and in this episode of the Mama Shrink Podcast,
we're diving deep into a topic close to my heart: self-care for moms. As a licensed
psychologist and certified coach, I've witnessed the struggles many moms face in
balancing their own needs with the demands of parenting. While I'm not a substitute for
mental health care, I'm here to discuss the importance of self-care and how it directly
impacts your role as a mother.
We kick off by exploring the guilt that often accompanies the idea of self-care. Contrary
to popular belief, prioritizing self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. I emphasize that
neglecting self-care can actually lead to feelings of emptiness and burnout, inadvertently making us less available to our loved ones.
During this episode, I tackle the issue of judgment and perfectionism. I share my
personal experiences as a people pleaser, highlighting the fear of what others might
think when we take time for ourselves. The truth is, it's okay to let go of these worries
and set a positive example for our children by demonstrating self-care.
We then delve into the challenge of finding time for self-care. I urge you to question the
belief that there's never enough time and to recognize that if something truly matters, we can make time for it. Remember, making time for self-care doesn't have to be
complicated – even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference.
The heart of this episode centers around the concept that self-care is a gift – a gift to
yourself, your family, and your children. The key takeaways are simple but profound: let
go of guilt and "shoulds," challenge the fear of judgment, release the pursuit of
perfection, and make even small moments of self-care a priority. By nurturing yourself,
you're setting the foundation for a healthier and happier life for both you and your loved ones.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for effective parenting.
- Guilt, judgment, and perfectionism often hinder self-care efforts.
- Making time for yourself is a crucial aspect of maintaining well-being.
- Small acts of self-care can have a significant impact on mental health.
- Prioritizing self-care sets a positive example for your children.
Resources:
- Mama Shrink Podcast: Website
- Dr. Cynthia Haver's Website: http://www.drcynthiah.com
- Connect with Dr. Cynthia on Social Media: @dr.cynthiahawver
- National Suicide Crisis Line https://988lifeline.org/ - Call or text 988 if you're struggling with a mental health issue.
Comments (0)
To leave or reply to comments, please download free Podbean or
No Comments
To leave or reply to comments,
please download free Podbean App.