How Do I Stop Comparing Myself to Perfect Mums?- with Dr Jo Mueller

Ever feel like you’re failing at motherhood, no matter how hard you try? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Imperfect Mum, I sit down with Dr. Jo Mueller to talk about the messy reality of parenting, mum guilt, and why self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

We dive into the pressures of social media, the mental load of parenting, and the emotional rollercoaster of raising kids (especially if you’re parenting a neurodivergent child). Dr. Mueller also introduces her Guilty Parent Club, a space for parents to ditch the shame and feel supported.

If you've ever found yourself Googling:

• Why do I feel guilty all the time as a mum?
• How do I stop feeling like I’m failing my kids?
• Is it normal to feel overwhelmed by parenting?
• How do I repair things when I’ve lost my temper?
• What’s the best way to support my neurodivergent child?

…this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

✔ Why your mental health matters just as much as your child’s
✔ How to break free from mum guilt (spoiler: you’re doing better than you think)
✔ Why social media makes parenting feel harder—and how to stop comparing
✔ The power of emotional awareness in handling parenting stress
✔ How to repair relationships with your child after conflict
✔ Why “good enough” parenting is actually the best kind

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 | Introduction to Parenting & Mental Health
03:16 | How Your Well-Being Affects Your Child’s Well-Being
06:59 | The Truth About Mum Guilt & Why It’s So Common
11:14 | Self-Compassion: The Parenting Superpower You Didn’t Know You Needed
15:39 | Inside the Guilty Parent Club: A Community for Struggling Parents
19:04 | Mindfulness & Self-Awareness: Practical Tools for Mums
22:36 | Dealing with Guilt & When to Ask for Help
24:36 | Childcare, Nannies & Why You Don’t Have to Do It All
25:40 | Why Quality of Parenting Matters More Than Perfection
27:59 | Social Media & The “Perfect Parent” Trap
29:59 | Parenting Choices, Financial Pressures & The Mental Load
32:14 | Aligning Your Parenting with Your Values (Not Someone Else’s)
34:23 | Adjusting Expectations When Parenting Feels Hard
36:35 | Raising Neurodivergent Children: What You Need to Know
38:28 | Where to Find the Right Support When Parenting Feels Overwhelming
41:00 | Navigating the Healthcare System for Neurodiversity
44:53 | Building a Village: Finding Community & Resources for Parents
46:08 | Outro & Where to Connect

Links & Resources:

💛 Join Dr. Jo Mueller’s Guilty Parent Club – link
💛 Need Support? Work With Me 1:1 – [Insert link]
💛 Follow Me on Instagram for More Real Talk on Motherhood – [Insert link]
💛 Subscribe to The Imperfect Mum Podcast – [Insert link]