Motherhood & The Brain

Discover how to reclaim your peace of mind in the chaos of motherhood as I help you navigate the overwhelm many mothers feel. I'll guide you in distinguishing between the noise in your head and the reality of your situation. You'll learn to sort out your thoughts and identify what's true and what's just heavy interpretation. We'll address the pressure of societal expectati...

When the laughter around the dinner table turns into a battleground between your preteen and their step-parent, the heartache can feel overwhelming. Imagine if, instead of bracing for the worst, you could approach these family conflicts with a sense of compassion and understanding. That's exactly the journey we're guiding you through, exploring the complexities of step-family dynamics wi...

Ever wonder how our childhood experiences affect how we raise our own kids? I'm Esther Mbabazi, and in this episode of Motherhood & The Brain, we talk about how our instincts as moms are influenced by our past.  We'll explore why we feel the need to protect our children so much and how sometimes that clashes with the kind of moms we want to be.  We'll dig into how our own upbrin...

In this episode, I invite you to pause and reflect on your actions and intentions, questioning the status quo and aligning with your family's values and needs. Let's start by unpacking the societal and personal pressures shaping our approaches to motherhood. Why do we parent the way we do? Through introspection, we can discover more satisfying and authentic parenting styles, breaking fre...

In this episode I delves into the common confrontational scenarios between mothers and preteens, particularly regarding household responsibilities like cleaning rooms.  The episode explore the feelings of frustration and failure that can arise from such interactions and challenges the perception of these conflicts as threats to parenting.  The importance of respecting children's boundaries an...

In a world where the challenges of motherhood often feel isolating, this episode delves into the universal struggle of getting preteens to listen without resorting to yelling. Through personal stories and insights, I introduce a theme that resonates deeply with mothers navigating the challenges of raising independent-minded children.  Drawing from my own experiences rather than professional advice...

I wanted to share something really special with you today. In this segment, we're diving deep into the heart of motherhood, exploring the diverse emotional journey it entails and the incredible strength it builds within us. We start by unpacking the common negative perceptions surrounding motherhood and empowering you to redefine those perspectives, seeing motherhood as a journey of growth ra...

In this episode, I delve into the paradox of shielding preteens from discomfort, highlighting the evolutionary instinct of mothers to protect their children while stressing the importance of allowing emotional growth through experiencing discomfort. The Discussion moves to the internal nature of emotions and resilience, emphasizing the necessity for preteens to navigate their feelings independentl...

In this podcast episode, I delve into the intriguing link between being a successful professional and struggling with the challenge of yelling at a preteen daughter.  It highlights how the high standards and expectations that drive achievement at work can unknowingly spill over into motherhood, resulting in frustration and disappointment when things don't go as planned.  Yelling often becomes...

In the latest episode of "Motherhood from the Brain," I delve into the complexities of emotional challenges faced by mothers raising preteen daughters. I share my own struggles with feeling stuck and frustrated in navigating my daughter's behavior.  Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, I aims to support mothers who may be experiencing similar emotions, offering a blend of...

Discover the nuances of social withdrawal in preteens. I talk about the automatic negative interpretations of this phase, advocating for curiosity and reflection to understand your daughter's behaviors better.  Recognize the limits of control, dealing with disappointment, and embracing emotional discomfort are crucial steps for mothers.  I talk about how to tap into compassion, understanding,...

We dive into the fascinating realm of understanding our thoughts and questioning the narratives we've been fed. Have you ever stopped to consider that thoughts are neutral, and it's us who assign them meaning? We often get caught up in certain thought patterns because of ingrained beliefs and societal influences. But here's the kicker: our brains are wired to seek evidence that supp...

Learn about the ups and downs mothers face and how they can better understand and support their preteens.  Discover the importance of creating a safe space for kids to express their emotions without judgment. Explore the balance between guiding children and letting them grow independently.  It's a story of empathy, learning, and the incredible impact mothers have on their children's live...

On today’s episode of the Motherhood and The Brain podcast, Esther Mbabazi introduces a tool called the CTFAR model.  This model comprises five letters: C for Circumstance, T for Thought, F for Feeling, A for Action, and R for Result. The tool serves as a framework to understand how one's thinking influences outcomes and the mind's role in shaping experiences. Episode Highlights: 03:12:...

Ever wondered why you react the way you do? Picture your thoughts as a secret language, shaped by your past and what you see on TV. Now, imagine a teacher saying your kid is failing math – suddenly, fear hits. But here's the twist: it's not the teacher's fault, it's what you think. What if there's a way to change how you think? Dive into the mystery of your own mind, where...

ver felt that intense frustration as a mom when your kids just won't listen? I used to think I had to hide my anger, but suppressing it only made things worse.  In this podcast episode, I share my journey from conflicted silence to mastering my anger.  Learn how understanding and embracing your anger can transform your parenting. Imagine a clean bathroom ruined by your daughter, and you'...

Discover the untold reasons behind parenting outbursts in our latest episode. Ever wondered why yelling becomes a default reaction, even when it's not your child's fault? Uncover the surprising truth about the brain's role and learn how engaging your higher thinking brain can be the key to transforming your parenting approach. Listen in and unlock the secrets to breaking free from t...