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Ever slammed your hands on the table and yelled "ENOUGH!" when the noise and chaos became too much? You're not alone, and contrary to what social media might have you believe, it's not a parenting failure—it's biology.

In this eye-opening conversation with therapist Charlie, we explore the myth that mothers should be regulated all the time. Charlie explains how our nervous systems were never designed to handle modern life's constant bombardment of stimuli. Research shows we process more information in one week of urban living than our ancestors did in their entire lifetimes! No wonder we feel overwhelmed, touched out, and on edge.

When that dysregulation hits—whether it's from kids talking over each other, sensory overload, or simply the cumulative weight of the day—Charlie offers practical, science-backed strategies to restore balance. We dive into the powerful STOP technique (Stop, Take a step back, Observe, Proceed mindfully), discuss why deep breathing actually works (even when we roll our eyes at the suggestion), and explore how predictability creates safety for both children and adults.

Most importantly, we challenge the perfectionist parenting narratives that fuel shame and prevent us from accessing the very tools that could help us regulate. As Charlie reminds us, "Should is a shame word," and unless you're a robot, constant regulation is completely unrealistic. Our nervous systems are designed to ebb and flow—even anxiety and dissociation serve important protective functions when used appropriately.

Ready to break free from the impossible standard of perfect regulation? Listen now to discover how honoring your nervous system's needs can transform your parenting experience and help you respond rather than react to life's overwhelming moments.

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Meet Kayla Huszar, the Host of the Chill Like a Mother Podcast

Kayla Huszar is a Registered Social Worker and Expressive Arts Therapist who helps mothers reconnect with their authentic selves through embodied art-making. She encourages moms to embrace the messy, beautiful realities of their unique motherhood journeys. Whether through the podcast, 1:1 sessions or her signature Motherload Membership, Kayla creates a brave space for mothers to explore their identities beyond parenting, reconnect with their intuition, and find creative outlets for emotional expression and self-discovery.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your day—kids running amok and all! If this episode helped you feel a little more chill, please leave a rating or review. Your feedback helps the podcast reach more moms who need to hear it.