Good Parents Doubt Themselves Too

Good Parents Doubt Themselves Too

From How Not to Screw Up Your Kids by Dr Maryhan

May 10, 2026 · 14 min

About this episode

In this episode, Dr Maryhan discusses how parents can manage their inner critic and practice self-compassion while navigating the challenges of modern parenting.

We all have an inner critic. Even us parents. In today’s episode, I explore one of the most overlooked but powerful ways to lighten your emotional load and quieten your inner critic. Modern parenting gives that critical voice endless opportunities to speak up - especially when we compare our behind‑the‑scenes chaos to everyone else’s curated highlight reel. I unpack why we’re so much kinder to our children than to ourselves, and why questioning your parenting isn’t a sign of failure but a sign that you care. Drawing on the concept of ‘good enough parenting’ and the growing research on self‑compassion, I share four practical things you can do to help shift your internal dialogue, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect with the parent you want to be. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re falling short, this episode will help you breathe, reset, and treat yourself with the same kindness you give your children.  So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation… Highlights from this episode: 00:29 - I’ve had enough of not enough 02:03 - Comparison culture 04:24 - Connection over perfection 05:48 - 5 minutes of guilt free time 07:28 - Change your…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Maryhan

Topics covered

  • self-compassion
  • parenting doubts
  • emotional load
  • comparison culture
  • good enough parenting

Keywords

  • parenting
  • self-doubt
  • emotional health
  • inner critic
  • self-kindness

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