90. We can’t build a village while tearing other mums down

We say mums need a village. But we cannot build one while publicly humiliating the women we disagree with.

After Nara Smith appeared on Call Her Daddy to discuss the trad wife label, motherhood and her daughter’s cancer treatment, social media filled with reactions. Some offered thoughtful criticism of the unrealistic image of motherhood she has helped to create. Others became parody, personal attacks and thousands of comments tearing another woman down.

This episode isn’t a defence of Nara Smith or the trad wife movement. It’s a conversation about what happens when valid criticism crosses into cruelty, and what that teaches other mums about whether it is safe to be visible, vulnerable or honest.

I explore:

• the difference between challenging someone’s ideas and humiliating them

• why disagreement doesn’t require dehumanising another woman

• what online pile-ons teach mums about sharing their real lives

• the mistrust and competition sometimes described as the “sister wound”

• why mums filter themselves, hide their struggles and become afraid to ask for help

• how social media can make motherhood feel less safe

• why wanting a village also requires learning how to be part of one

If we want motherhood to feel less lonely, we need spaces where women can disagree without shaming one another for being imperfect, different or visible.

We cannot keep saying that mums need more honesty, support and community while participating in the behaviour that makes other mums afraid to speak.

This episode is sponsored by Mother's Earth. Use code NAT for 15% off: https://mothersearth.de/?snowball=NAT

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