2. The Science Behind Why We React To Our Kids: The Parent Guilt & Stress Cycle

In this second episode of the Guilty Parent Club podcast, Dr Jo delves into the psychology underpinning parental guilt, stress, and emotional reactivity. Building on the introduction to the 6P key framework, Jo explains why we fall into cycles of stress, self-doubt, and guilt as parents, and how our brain biology plays a crucial role.

Tune in for comforting insight into why so many of us struggle with explosiveness or self-criticism and learn why it’s not simply down to willpower, or your own failings.

Key topics explored:

• Why parenting often triggers our stress and threat response systems in the brain
• How emotional regulation works, and why it can feel impossible in the heat of the moment
• The impact of parental guilt and how it feeds a cycle of self-criticism and dysregulation
• An introduction to brain changes that occur when we become parents, making us more sensitive to emotional cues
• Why understanding these mechanisms is the first step to breaking out of unhelpful cycles—with a preview of how the 6P keys can help

If you found today’s episode resonated with you, consider joining the Guilty Parent Club for exclusive podcasts, workbooks, and practical guidance. For details, visit drjothepsychologist.com/guiltyparentclub.

Join us next time as we explore the difference between parental guilt and shame, and the practical impact on our mental health and parenting.

Don't forget to download the workbook that accompanies this podcast series here.

I'm Dr Jo Mueller, and I'm a Clinical Psychologist on a crusade to help as many parents as I can feel more confident in parenting your child in a human, imperfect way. Find out more about me and The Guilty Parent Club here.

The Guilty Parent Club: where good enough really is good enough.

Music credit: Joseph McDade