The Mom Panel: Permission to Pause - Why Mom “Me Time” Matters

Feeling guilty for wanting five minutes alone? Same. In this candid Mom Panel episode, Jackie, Michelle, Jill, and Tiesha get real about mom guilt and the essential role of me-time in preventing burnout. We talk bedtime routines that create breathing room, early-morning resets, realistic micro breaks (hello, 10-minute walk), and reframing self-care as the fuel that makes you a better parent and partner—not a selfish act.

You’ll also hear a sweet peek into family traditions (Rosh Hashanah, apple picking), how to prep siblings for a new baby with 1:1 time, and why two things can be true: you love your kids deeply and you need a break. We close with a reminder that you matter—your mental health, your marriage/partnership, and your identity beyond motherhood.

What you’ll learn

• How to reframe me-time so it actually reduces guilt
• Micro me-time ideas that fit busy days (5–15 minutes)
• Bedtime and morning routines that create consistent breathing room
• Making space for your partner and each child without adding hours to the day
• Signs you’re overdue for a reset (impatience, snap responses, simmering burnout)
• Simple language to explain early bedtimes/daylight changes to kids

Callouts from the convo

• “Two things can be true: devoted mom and me-time.”
• “If you don’t pause, burnout does the pausing for you.”
• “Me-time is how I show up better for my family.”

Resources mentioned
– Weekly therapy/care hour as a standing appointment
– Early bedtime windows for kids to protect adult recharge time
– 10-minute walk + quick friend call = fast nervous-system reset

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