You know that quiet little voice that pops up just when you start to relax
That’s mum guilt.
It shows up when you sit down for five minutes, when you finally buy something for yourself, or when you spend a day working instead of watching another episode of Bluey.
It’s sneaky and constant and somehow always finds a way to make you feel like you’re not doing enough.
But here’s what I’ve realised.
Mum guilt doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you care.
You care enough to think about your impact.
You care enough to want to be better.
You care enough to show up, even when you’re tired.
But caring doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself completely.
Our kids don’t need perfect mothers. They need real ones.
They need to see us rest.
They need to see us chase dreams.
They need to see that love isn’t about losing yourself to prove it.
So if you feel guilty for taking time, for saying no, for wanting space, for working hard, for having your own goals — you’re doing just fine.
You’re showing your kids what balance looks like, even if it’s messy.
🩵 From one guilt-ridden but grateful mum to another:
You’re not meant to do it all.
You’re meant to live it all.
Ash x
Founder, Sand + Salt Kids
Clothes made for chaos, comfort and connection.