10 “Guilty” Pleasures Moms Should Stop Feeling Guilty About
From a Therapist Who Works with Moms (and is one, too)
Let’s be real: motherhood comes with a lot of pressure. Be patient. Be productive. Be present. Be everything, all the time. And somewhere in there, don’t forget to feel bad about anything that brings you joy.
Here’s the truth I share with the moms I work with (and remind myself of often): You don’t have to earn rest. You don’t have to justify needing a break. Many of the things you feel guilty for enjoying? They’re actually helping you cope, recharge, and stay sane.
Here are 10 “guilty” pleasures that are secretly good for your mental health:
1. Hiding in the bathroom with your phone
You’re not “avoiding your kids.” You’re regulating your nervous system. That five-minute scroll may be the reset your brain needs to get through the next five hours.
2. Letting the kids watch one more episode
Screens aren’t evil. Sometimes, putting on a show so you can drink hot coffee in peace is survival—not failure.
3. Saying “no” to a playdate or birthday party
You’re allowed to protect your energy. Declining social things doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom. It means you’re tuning in to what you need.
4. Eating snacks in the pantry
Snacking alone isn’t shameful—it might be your only quiet moment all day. Take it. Enjoy it. No explanation needed.
5. Rewatching your favorite show at night
That comfort TV? It’s helping your brain unwind. No need to swap it for a parenting podcast unless you want to.
6. Ordering takeout (again)
Feeding your family doesn’t have to mean cooking from scratch. Nourishment is nourishment, whether it comes from your oven or a delivery driver.
7. Taking a nap while the laundry waits
The laundry isn’t going anywhere. Your patience and mental clarity, however, might be—unless you rest.
8. Letting the house be a mess
A clean house isn’t the measure of a good mom. Sometimes peace of mind > spotless counters.
9. Listening to your own music in the car
Yes, the kids might complain. But reclaiming small spaces—like the radio—is one way to stay connected to yourself.
10. Wanting time away from your kids
Needing a break doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you human. Time apart helps you show up better when you’re together.
I know we think we know this, but I am going to keep saying it so you can actualize some of these with less guilt: You’re allowed to need things. You’re allowed to want things. The little “guilty” pleasures that give you a breath of fresh air? Keep them. They’re not just okay—they’re essential.
— A therapist who gets it (and hides in her car, too)
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