Self sacrifice, mom-guilt, and martyrdom in motherhood: Fighting against the pressure to be perfect with Gayane Aramyan

In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Gayane Aramyan joins me to unpack the "perfect mom" pressure so many of us contend with on a daily basis.   In this episode we cover:   - Why our expectations of motherhood often don't match reality—and how to stop blaming ourselves when they don't.   - The hidden ways control fuels anxiety and overwhelm, and how loosening our grip can make parenting easier.   - The power of flexibility in parenting, and why giving yourself permission to adapt can be a game-changer.   - What to do when you reach a stage of your child's development that you simply don't enjoy.   - The key support systems to have in place before entering motherhood to make the transition smoother.   - The differences we're seeing with millennial mothers from what has been considered norms of the past.   - How to know when the mom-guilt you feel is getting in the way of your parenting and strategies for challenging it.   If you've ever felt like you're falling short of the motherhood ideal, this conversation is here to remind you: You don't have to be perfect—you just have to be you.       LEARN MORE ABOUT GAYANE: https://www.therapywithgayane.com/   FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@therapywithgayane 📱 @drsarahbren   CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Breaking the perfectionist mold: How embracing the messy middle is healthier for you and your kids with Monica Packer   🎧 Motherhood as a Millennial: Tuning out the noise and learning to find trust in ourselves with Marcella Kelson   🎧 Social anxiety in parenthood: Navigating play dates, mom-friends, and putting yourself out there with Justine Carino