Presence vs. Purpose: What Do Our Kids Really Need from Us?

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

In this episode, I’m getting deeply personal about something so many of us carry but rarely talk about: mom guilt. After speaking at the Mom 2.0 Summit and leaving home with a sick child, I found myself questioning everything—again. Can I be a present, loving mom and still pursue the work that lights me up?

I explore the tension between purpose and presence, and how we can reframe guilt as a sign of how deeply we care—not proof that we’re failing. I also dive into the concept of the “good-enough mother,” the power of modeling joy, and why slowing down doesn’t mean giving up. If you’ve ever felt torn between who you are and who you’re becoming, this episode is for you.

I discuss:

• Why mom guilt isn’t always a red flag—it’s often a sign of growth and purpose.
• How modeling joy and ambition can actually strengthen your child’s emotional development.
• What it means to embrace shifting seasons in motherhood without losing yourself.

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00:00 – Welcome and Why This Episode Matters

01:20 – Guilt, Motherhood, and the Summit

03:21 – Speaking to Moms as Whole People

04:21 – The Return of Finding Joy

05:08 – The Good Enough Mother

06:18 – Purpose Beyond Motherhood

07:46 – When Purpose Feels Out of Reach

08:36 – Modeling Fulfillment for Our Kids

10:20 – Wholeness is the Legacy

12:49 – Integration, Not Sacrifice

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