Why Mothers Feel Like They're Losing Their Minds with Libby Ward

In today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, Barb and Michelle are joined by writer, speaker, and advocate Libby Ward, author of Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself. In a deeply moving and vulnerable conversation, we talk about the realities of modern motherhood, including the mental load, overwhelm, the pressure to do it all, and what it takes to let go of perfection.

Together, Libby, Barb, and Michelle explore the hidden roots of rage, overstimulation, and people-pleasing, unpacking how childhood trauma and hypervigilance make setting simple boundaries feel like a matter of life or death.

Libby shares her candid "Granola Bar" story, a pivotal moment of maternal rage that forces her to confront her limits and explains why genuine repair and self-compassion are the true keys to breaking generational cycles. From validating our children's experiences to unlearning the myth of the "perfect mother," this episode offers an honest, hopeful blueprint for reconnecting with your authentic self.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The pressures of motherhood and learning how to prioritize yourself

Letting go of the pressure to be perceived as a “good mom"

Setting boundaries, choosing to say no, and how to live with the feelings of letting people down

Giving yourself permission to be imperfect and choosing radical honesty over a conflict-free relationship

Learning to apologize to your children and sharing the importance of feelings

This is a powerful, fun, and deeply honest conversation about parenting, identity, boundaries, and creating a healthier version of motherhood for ourselves and the next generation.

More From the Guest:

Get your copy of Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself

Learn more about Libby Ward here and follow her @libbyward.

Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle!

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