How to Move on After a Mama Meltdown: Guest Podcast with Pam Howard

Dawn Friedman introduces the final May Mental Health Awareness Month guest episode of Tell Me It Will Be OK, featuring Pam Howard of Less Drama More Mama, a licensed clinical social worker, master certified life coach, author, and mom of two. Pam shares two “mama meltdown” stories—one in 2009 with a 3-year-old and newborn when she yelled, threatened consequences, and spanked in rage, and another 13 years later when she yelled at her teen for not getting up for school and threatened a truancy officer. She explains how, instead of spiraling into shame, she practiced self-compassion, sought support, and used the experience as growth, drawing on The Gap and the Gain to focus on progress. Pam describes repairing with her daughters through apology, conversation, and a “family reset,” and invites listeners to forgive themselves and reframe imperfect parenting as an opportunity for change.00:00 Finale Guest Intro02:20 What Is a Mama Meltdown02:51 2009 Breaking Point04:55 Shame and Wake Up Call06:17 Meltdown Returns Years Later07:02 Saboteurs Take Over08:57 Choosing Self Compassion10:24 Gap Versus Gain Mindset11:11 Repairing After the Blowup13:24 Forgiveness and Growth15:16 Wrap Up and Coaching InviteGet more of Pam at the following links:Website: Less Drama More MamaInstagram: Less Drama More MamaFacebook: Less Drama More MamaMentioned in this episode:Tell Me It Will Be OK: The Practice🌟 READY TO FIND YOUR ROOM TO BREATHE? Tell Me It Will Be OK: The Practice is a weekly, 30-minute audio-guided journaling sanctuary designed to help you connect with your own inner wisdom, calm, and connection.ry a free 30-minute sample session today and lock in your spot on our priority waitlist for the July 8th launch. Get your free sample session at OpenBookParenting.com!