Breaking Up with “Good Mom” Guilt: Redefining Success in the Teen Years

In this must-listen episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, adolescent psychologist and parenting coach Dr. Cam Caswell sits down with writer and professor Nancy Reddy, author of The Good Mother Myth, to unpack the crushing weight of unrealistic parenting expectations.

Together, they explore how outdated beliefs about “good” parenting are fueling unnecessary guilt and stress—especially for moms of teens. You’ll learn the difference between helpful guilt and harmful shame, how to let go of perfectionism, and how to reframe your role as your teen grows more independent.

Nancy also shares the liberating truth about asking for help and why showing vulnerability is one of the best lessons you can teach your teen.

This episode is both a sigh of relief and a wake-up call. If you're tired of feeling like you're not doing enough, listen in.

• How outdated “good mom” myths create toxic guilt for modern parents.
• The truth about your role in your teen’s happiness (and why it’s not what you think)
• Why modeling imperfection and asking for help makes you a better parent
• Practical tips to release shame, reclaim calm, and parent from your values
  
  

1. Guilt ≠ Shame: Guilt can spark change, but shame keeps you stuck in self-blame
2. Use a values check when guilt creeps in—what matters to your family, not to others
3. Build a “friend family” of supportive adults to share the emotional and logistical load
4. Ask for help—and watch how it gives your teen permission to do the same
5. Focus on the relationship, not your performance. You’re a parent, not a perfectionist

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• The Good Mother Myth by Nancy Reddy
  
  
• Write More, Be Less Careful Newsletter
  
  
• Work Like a Mother by Laura Bazelon
  
  
• Unfit Parent by Jessica Slice
  
  
• Research by Erica Boothby on “the liking gap”
  
  
• Anthropological research by Margaret Mead

• Website: nancyreddy.com
  
  
• Instagram: @nancy.o.reddy
  
  
• Newsletter: Write More, Be Less Careful
  
  

• Website: AskDrCam.com
  
  
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
  
  
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
  
  
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
  
  
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell
  
  

00:00 The Pressure of Perfection in Motherhood
03:12 Navigating the Transition to Parenting Teens
06:05 Understanding and Overcoming Mom Guilt
09:01 The Myth of the Perfect Mother
12:03 Distinguishing Guilt from Accountability
14:48 Letting Go of Guilt and Embracing Trust
18:11 The Role of Community and Co-Parenting
21:22 Navigating New Motherhood and Guilt
24:38 The Role of Community in Parenting
26:10 Understanding Guilt in Parenting
30:09 The Importance of Asking for Help
33:11 Modeling Vulnerability for Our Children
38:34 Defining Values to Combat Guilt

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth.

Whether you’re struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.

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#momguilt #parentingteens #mentalhealthformoms #parentinghelp