The Mental Load Season: Boundaries, Burnout & the Pressure to Make It Magical with Paige Connell & Allie McQuaid

November Roundtable: The Holiday Overwhelm Episode with Paige Connell & Allie McQuaidThe holidays are supposed to feel warm and joyful- but for most moms, they also come with nonstop logistics, emotional labor, and a running mental checklist that never really turns off. And for millennial moms especially, the expectations feel higher than ever.In this month’s roundtable, Erin Holland (PG-ish Podcast) and I are joined by Paige Connell (@sheisapageturner) and Allie McQuaid (@millennialmomtherapist) for a conversation that goes right into the thick of it: the mental load, the pressure to make things magical, the generational friction that shows up the minute you walk into a family gathering, and the complicated mix of joy and burnout that this season brings.In this episode we cover:Why the holidays hit so hard when your plate was already full in JulyThe “fun mom” pressure and why it doesn't make sense, when you’re the one noticing, planning, packing, and rememberingHow early messaging around anger and emotions shows up again in motherhoodThe emotional gymnastics of blended families, divorced parenting, and juggling multiple householdsWhy social media intensifies holiday expectations (and how to spot what’s actual life vs. content creation)What our kids really remember and why it’s almost never the expensive or elaborate stuffHow to rethink traditions, drop the “shoulds,” and pay attention to what actually brings joy or easeThe permission to let this year look different than last year (or any year)It’s honest, relatable, a little funny, and full of the kind of “oh right, it’s not just me” moments that make the holidays feel a little more doable.Listen in, especially if the season feels like a lot before it’s even started.Connect with Paige and Allie:Paige Connell — @sheisapageturnerAllie McQuaid — @millennialmomtherapistConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/