Why Overthinking in Parenting Doesn’t Make You Broken with Gwenna Laithland

About this episode

This episode discusses how overthinking in parenting is a sign of care and can lead to more intentional parenting.

Overthinking your parenting decisions? Replaying conversations in your head at night? Wondering if you handled that moment “the right way”? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken. In this episode, I’m joined by Gwenna Laithland, author of Thinky Thoughts, to talk about what’s really going on in that busy, overthinking brain of yours. Because what if all that mental spiraling isn’t a flaw… but actually a sign that you care deeply—and a tool you can learn to use? Gwenna shares how her own “thinky thoughts” shaped her parenting, her healing journey, and the way she shows up for her kids today. We get into the messy, honest reality of adulting, why so many of us feel like we’re still figuring it out as we go, and how overthinking can actually lead to more intentional, connected parenting. If you’ve ever questioned yourself as a mom, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why overthinking doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re paying attention How childhood experiences shape the way we react as parents The difference between guiding your child and shaming them Why “doing better” in parenting starts with understanding yourself…

People in this episode

Host: JoAnn Crohn

Guest: Gwenna Laithland

Topics covered

• overthinking in parenting
• mental health
• intentional parenting
• self-awareness
• parenting challenges

Keywords

• overthinking
• parenting decisions
• mental spiraling
• intentional parenting
• self-understanding

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Thinky Thoughts

More episodes of No Guilt Mom | Overcoming Mom Guilt, Parenting Tips, & Self Care for Moms

• What You Do After You Yell Matters More Than the Yelling Itself · June 4, 2026 · 24 min
• Why You're Killing It on Paper But Empty on the Inside with Brooke Taylor · June 2, 2026 · 36 min
• Why Your Body Starts the Yelling Before Your Brain Does (And How to Stop It) · May 28, 2026 · 32 min
• Why You're Always Rushing — And What Your Body Is Actually Trying to Tell You with Jenna Free · May 26, 2026 · 37 min
• Why You Keep Yelling Even When You Promised Yourself You’d Stop · May 21, 2026 · 27 min
• Why Your Daughter's Sorority Rush Has Nothing to Do With You (And How to Actually Help Her) with Trisha Addicks · May 19, 2026 · 34 min