EP:187 Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also brutal — and you are not broken for finding it hard.

In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with my dear friend Libby Ward, author of Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself. From the very first page, I saw myself in her words, and I know you will too.

We talk openly about:

• What it really feels like to be overstimulated, resentful, and on the edge of rage as a mom
• Why motherhood isn’t a time management issue, it’s a capacity issue
• The moment Libby saw fear in her children’s eyes and realized something had to change
• How chasing the undefined standard of a “good mom” keeps us burned out, dysregulated, and ashamed
• Why radical honesty about your actual life (your nervous system, support, money, partner, health) is the first step to feeling human again
• Letting go of being selfless and instead finally having a self
• Practical ways to lower your standards, say no, reclaim time, and build capacity so you can show up as the parent you want to be

If you’ve ever thought, “Why is this so hard for me when everyone else seems fine?” or “I’m barely holding it together,” this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away feeling seen, less alone, and with permission to stop hustling for some impossible version of “good mom” and start honoring your real, lived experience.

📖 Libby’s book, Honest Motherhood, is out April 14 and available in print, audio, and ebook wherever you buy books. If you’re going to read one motherhood book this year, let it be this one.

If this episode resonated with you:

• Subscribe to the channel for more honest conversations about motherhood, nervous system health, and capacity.
• Like this video so more overwhelmed moms can find it.
• Comment below: What part of Libby’s story felt the most like you?
• Share this with a mom friend who thinks she’s the only one losing it. She’s not. Neither are you.

Links & Resources:

📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram - https://bit.ly/48VZI5e 🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com

#HonestMotherhood #MomRage #OverstimulatedMoms #MotherhoodBurnout #GentleParenting #ConsciousParenting #CycleBreaker #ModernMotherhood #MomMentalHealth #ThriveLikeAParent #BrookeWeinstein #LibbyWard #ParentingPodcast #MotherhoodPodcast #NervousSystemRegulation #CapacityNotTimeManagement

EP:186 If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything for everyone and still lying awake at night worrying about your kids, your partner, and your bank account… this episode is for you.

I’m Dr. Brooke Weinstein — mom, widow, occupational therapist, CEO, and nervous system nerd — and in this conversation with Ysenia Rhodes of Talk Rich To Me and Huntress Wealth, I’m opening up about the intersection of mental health, parenting, partnership, and financial literacy.

I share:

How I went from pediatric OT and business owner to completely rebuilding my life after my husband Jonathan’s depression and death by suicide in 2021.

Why regulating your nervous system is the foundation for how you parent, partner, and make money decisions. The truth about “self-regulation tools” (like box breathing) and why one-size-fits-all wellness advice often does more harm than good.

Why I refuse to give “5 steps to fix your life” solutions online — and what I focus on instead.

The hard money conversations inside relationships: being the breadwinner, financial control, “allowances,” and why your partner should not be the sole decider of your mental health support.

How women’s people-pleasing, guilt, and shame keep them from investing in themselves, even when they’re desperate for help.

My own journey learning financial literacy after separation and widowhood: forensic accountants, building a business (twice), budgeting, and finally being able to sleep at night.

What I taught my sister as she navigates divorce and money for the first time.

Why I believe your mental health is #1 and your financial literacy is #2—everything else comes after.

To me, being “rich” isn’t about how much is in your bank account today. It’s about being able to breathe, knowing you can support yourself and your kids, make aligned choices, and build the life you want — even after unthinkable loss and massive transition.

If you’re a woman, a parent, or a partner who:

Feels stuck financially or emotionally Is scared to spend money on yourself or ask for help Has been told “it’s not your money” even though you’re holding the entire family together …this episode will give you language, validation, and a starting point to protect yourself and gain knowledge, no matter where you’re beginning.

If this conversation resonated with you:

Drop a comment sharing one belief about money or worth you’re ready to challenge. Share this episode with a friend who feels stuck in their relationship, motherhood, or money story. If you’re ready to understand your brain and nervous system on a deeper level so you can show up differently in your life, keep following along — this is exactly the work I’m here to do with you.

Links & Resources:

📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/ 📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram - https://bit.ly/48VZI5e 🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com

#DrBrookeWeinstein #MentalHealthMatters #FinancialLiteracyForWomen #NervousSystemRegulation #ParentingSupport #WomenAndMoney #WidowhoodJourney #SingleMomLife #CycleBreaker #EmotionalRegulation #TraumaInformedParenting #FinancialEmpowerment #TalkRichToMe #HuntressWealth #MoneyAndMentalHealth

EP:185 Feeling exhausted, snapping at your kids, or disconnected from your partner? This isn’t just “stress”—it’s your nervous system stuck in chronic fight-or-flight.

In this episode, I’m walking you through how to shift out of survival mode and into true rest and restoration… even if it feels impossible right now.

🚨 SIGNS YOU’RE STUCK IN FIGHT OR FLIGHT:

You’re constantly exhausted but can’t actually rest You react quickly or snap over small things You feel lonely—even when you’re not alone Joy only comes from external things (like shopping or distractions) Your relationship feels disconnected or flat Life feels heavy, like you’re always pushing uphill

💡 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

How to use a simple body scan to understand what your body is telling you How to recognize when you’re in the “red zone” Practical ways to move through the uncomfortable “yellow zone” Why healing can feel so uncomfortable—and why that’s actually a good sign Daily check-ins to help regulate your nervous system

⏰ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Tired of feeling exhausted all the time? 2:15 – Signs you’re stuck in fight or flight 6:30 – The body scan: listening to your body 12:20 – Daily check-in questions 18:45 – Navigating the “yellow zone” 22:30 – Why support matters 24:00 – Your 3-hour self-care challenge

🔥 KEY TAKEAWAY: You’re not meant to heal alone. If this resonates, it’s a sign your system needs support—and you deserve to feel calm, connected, and at peace.

✨ THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU IF:

You’re an overwhelmed parent stuck in survival mode You’re dealing with chronic stress or burnout You feel disconnected in your relationships You’re ready to stop living in constant exhaustion

💬 Which one hit home for you? Let me know in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for more tools on nervous system regulation 📱 Follow @DrBrookeWeinst for daily support and guidance

#FightOrFlight #NervousSystemRegulation #ChronicStress #BurnoutRecovery #ParentingStress #EmotionalRegulation #MentalHealthSupport #SelfCareTools #TraumaHealing #RestAndRestore #OverwhelmedParents #StressRecovery