S1E3: Politician Rahayu Mahzam on mum guilt, screen time, social media algorithms

Mothers today have more advice than ever before. But when does helpful information become overwhelming, and what can we do about it?  Synopsis: Join us for a five-part series on working motherhood from July 3-31 with episodes out every Friday. Social media has become a lifeline for many mothers - offering advice, reassurance and community at the tap of a screen. But what happens when the endless parenting tips and constant comparison start to undermine our confidence instead? In this episode, host Vanessa Chelvan sits down with Huda Rasid, founder of The Mum Collective, and Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam to talk candidly about the pressures of raising children in the digital age. From information overload to screen time guilt and the pressures of competitive parenting, they unpack why so many mothers feel like they're constantly falling short - even when they're doing their best. The conversation also explores practical ways to build a healthier relationship with social media, trust your own instincts again and find real support beyond the screen - reminding parents that no algorithm knows their child better than they do. Highlights (click/tap above): 5:20 Do social media algorithms reflect our anxieties back at us? 9:54 Too many choices have eroded mums' confidence in their own instincts 13:00 Getting caught in the comparison trap  18:04 Rahayu on mum guilt and parenting her son 23:45 Screen time struggles and why parents may feel judged 27:50 Keeping it real on social media and examining your own triggers around screentime 33:08 Intensive mothering: Can we be less competitive?37:42 The tuition dilemma 41:42 Using social media as a tool, not a trap45:10 Finding a mum community IRL47:50 No algorithm knows your child better than you do Host: Vanessa Chelvan ([email protected]) Read Vanessa's articles: https://str.sg/gr5Z Follow Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jHdJ  Produced and edited by: Teo Tong Kai Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Elizabeth Law — Follow The Mother Load limited series every Friday (July 3-31): Channel: https://str.sg/oMofY  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/8Kbv  Spotify: https://str.sg/DELD  YouTube: https://str.sg/HnaV Feedback to: [email protected]  — Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB  Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #themotherloadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.