Book Junkiez

Self-Help / Non-Fiction

Date Published: 08-26-2025

If you’ve ever felt like parts of you went quiet in the background
— your voice, your creativity, your dreams — Mom Take Center Stage
is your invitation to rise.

This empowering guide invites you to stop shrinking and start shining.

With raw honesty and hard-won wisdom, Satya V. Nauth helps you reclaim your
power, purpose, and presence — unapologetically.

You’ll learn how to:

Break cycles of self-abandonment and burnout

Release perfectionism and reconnect with your wholeness

Embrace your identity beyond the roles you carry

Live boldly, confidently, and without apology

Step into the spotlight of your own life — fully alive

This isn’t a book about balance.

It’s a book about becoming whole again.

Because the world doesn’t need a perfect mom.

It needs you — rooted, radiant, and real.

EXCERPT

Introduction

For many years, I poured out my heart and soul in the name of motherhood. In the process, I lost myself. After having kids, I faced a series of challenges that seemed insurmountable. Those very challenges became the reasons for overcoming obstacles and confidently becoming my authentic self . . . the real me. My life used to revolve entirely around my children. They were the center of my universe. I was buried under the chaos that was unravelling right before my eyes. While I loved being a mother, somewhere along the way, I lost sight of who I was. 

My days were consumed by endless tasks: work, school drop-offs and pickups, doctor visits, maintaining the household, and juggling countless after-school activities. But I knew motherhood was an investment. It was a bittersweet time though. While I loved raising my kids, I didn’t love that I was paying a hefty price through my selflessness. I thought that pursuing my dreams and goals meant giving up on my children, which felt like a betrayal of motherhood. Then it hit me: One day my children will grow up, and I’ll have to face myself again. Who will I be then? Since children grow up and become adults, I realized I needed to reclaim my individuality. Buried in all those years of dedication, I began to see things more clearly: I needed to muster up the courage to find myself, to become multidimensional, to take center stage. 

We are all called to discover our higher purpose. Going through a myriad of emotions, it’s easy to play the blame game. Blame the world, blame our health, blame our past, blame current situations, and blame the decisions that have led to this moment. With all that said, I have to ask you: Mom, isn’t it time you took center stage? 

This book is taken from the lessons I have learned through trial and error. It is a daring guide of self-acceptance, personal development, and remarkable success after having children. I’m here as a woman, like you, who has gone through some beautifully chaotic and humbling experiences after having kids. Some difficult growth experiences that have led to establishing my full identity and, at the same time, becoming a better parent. Not as an appendage to my children or spouse but as a confident, bold woman who knows and understands my worth because I have rediscovered myself. 

Gals, it’s pretty easy to close this book and move on to the next thing that calls to us. And with the endless distractions out there, you could head to Facebook, Instagram or TikTok and go down that rabbit hole. Or you could go back to washing that mountain of laundry. This is my call to you: When will you do the things that will allow you to stand on your own feet? When will you be daringly bold? When is the right time for you? I’ll tell you: That time is now. It’s today. It is in this moment. This is your chance to finally become who you were meant to be. 

Life is unpredictable, so what I’m asking of you isn’t a cutesy idea. It is a life skill that we as women and as mothers need to impart not only to ourselves, but also to our children. Be prepared before the necessity becomes desperation. Be an example to your kids. Show them that this valiant woman is also in charge of her life, her autonomy, her decisions. She isn’t afraid to dream, set goals, and go forth.

This guide is intended not only for the two of us. It is also meant for every woman who needs to hear that she is enough, that there is hope to learn, to grow, and to achieve everything her heart calls to irrespective of age, status, skin color, religion, or any difference that makes you one in a million. Anything that makes you stand out is your superpower! Let’s embark on this journey together. I can’t wait to see the woman you’ll rediscover—the bold, confident, and unstoppable YOU.

What Moms Are Saying

Below are anonymous posts from moms of various mom groups. I have altered any information that appeared to be sensitive information.

PART I

The Dress Rehearsal

Behind the Curtain

Chapter 1

Winning over 

the Greatest Critic

Loving yourself isn’t vanity. It’s sanity

—Katrina Mayer

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror the other day—hair unkempt, eyes tired, and a familiar voice in my head whispering, Not enough. It wasn’t my spouse, my friends, my in-laws, or anyone else criticizing me. It was me. And isn’t that always the case? Your greatest critic isn’t someone else. It’s you. No one can tear you down like you can. Why is that? Because no one knows you better than you.  So when you err—as you will because you are human—you tend to communicate your displeasure and replay those thoughts on repeat in your mind. 

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head, playing over and over until it drives you crazy? Right now, there’s a tune from my workout playlist that I can’t seem to shake. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Now imagine if, instead of a song, it was a loop of negative, self-defeating thoughts hammering away in your mind. If someone else spoke to you that way, you’d be outraged. Yet we tolerate this from ourselves every day. 

Motherhood can challenge any woman because it changes everything: our bodies, our emotions, our mindset, even our aspirations. Childbirth leaves its mark, and for many of us, the physical changes can feel like a heavy toll. The hips widen, the hormones spiral, metabolism morphs into a monstrous sloth-like creature. Don’t even get me started on the good and bad “wolf” inside us that changes our emotions on a dime. And let’s be real: The pooch is here. In essence, it’s a badge of honor, a reminder that we carried life within us for nine straight months, giving our all to nourish the human we conceived. For those who’ve mastered the pooch acceptance, kudos to you. But for the rest of us? Let’s start embracing it for what it is: a symbol of strength and sacrifice. The journey back to yourself starts with one thing: love. Not love for your spouse, your kids, or your friends, though all of those things matter. I’m talking about self-love, the kind we rarely prioritize. 

Self-love is not an easy endeavor. We’re our own harshest critic, constantly finding fault in our appearance, our decisions, and the way we handle life. Compliments from others? They’re no match for the voice we hear when we look in the mirror. That internal scolding is the omnipotent power that rules our minds, hearts, and lives. Starting today, though, I challenge you to change the message your inner dialogue is sending. 

Your Body, Your Naos: A Sacred Space

I used to think of self-care as a luxury—something that came after I had taken care of everything and everyone else. But over time, I realized that neglecting myself was not noble; it was destructive. My body, my mind, and my spirit suffered as a result. Then I came across a word that shifted my entire perspective: naos.

In ancient Greek, naos means “temple,” but not just any temple. It refers to the inner sanctuary, the most sacred place in a place of worship. The part that is revered, protected, and honored above all else. That struck me. Because if we only have one body, one vessel to carry us through this life, shouldn’t we treat it with the same level of respect as a sacred temple?

I’m sure you pour your energy endlessly into others, but what if you saw yourself as a naos—something precious, something worth tending to with care and intention? Just as you work to be mentally strong, you also owe it to yourself to be physically and emotionally strong. That might mean you need to transform your perspective on strength. Instead of martyrdom and sacrifice being what you attribute to inner strength, see strength as vitality, endurance, and the ability to show up fully for the life you are building.

Eye Contact: The Power of Connection

When was the last time you looked yourself in the eye—without makeup, without filters, without judgement. What did you see? The eyes are often said to be windows to the soul, but for many of us, it’s hard to look so directly at ourselves, especially after the changes motherhood brings. Avoiding eye contact, whether with others or when facing your reflection in the mirror, can be a sign that self-love is a challenge. But recognizing your avoidance is the first step toward overcoming it. 

Here’s a daily practice to help you remember your strength, your worth, and who you really are: Stand in front of a mirror, look into your eyes, and say something kind to yourself. Yes, it might feel awkward at first. But over time, you’ll start to believe it. The simple act of meeting your gaze with kindness can shift your mindset in profound ways. The truth is, you matter. You are beautiful and enough just as you are right now, in this moment. So take a chance on yourself. Give yourself the love you hope to receive from others and yourself.

Beyond the Surface

As moms, we pour so much of ourselves into others that our own cups often runneth dry. Physical and mental self-care should go beyond occasional indulgences. They should be a foundation for strength, resilience, and well-being. We have one body, one mind. Just like a car that needs regular maintenance to perform at its best, we need intentional care to thrive.

Physical Self-Care: Vitality over Vanity

Physical self-care isn’t about trying to have an ageless face, a perfect body, or the most expensive spa treatment. It’s about vitality. It’s about honoring the vessel (our naos) that carries you through life. We often focus on the outward appearance, but true physical self-care begins from within. Start by nourishing your body with wholesome food, moving it with intention, and prioritizing rest. Your body is designed to carry you through long days, but it needs fuel, movement, and restoration to continue performing at its best.

How often do you listen to your body when it’s telling you it’s tired, or when it craves fresh air or a healthy meal? Sometimes self-care looks like saying no to the things that drain you and yes to the things that recharge your energy—whether it’s a ten-minute walk outside, taking a restorative nap, or making time for a workout that challenges you.

Consider how movement can become an act of self-love. Don’t see it as simply burning calories or trying to fit into a certain size. Aim to feel strong, capable, and energized. Whether it’s yoga, dancing to your favorite song, or lifting weights, find a way to move that makes your body feel powerful and alive.

Style Rituals: Confidence in the Details

Embodying a unique sense of style after having kids takes a lot more time and effort. It’s easy to skip, but the way you care for yourself directly impacts how you feel about yourself. That feeling of washing your face, styling your hair, or putting on an outfit that makes you feel good is a signal to yourself that you matter.

For me, it’s high heels. Just shy of five foot three, wearing heels makes me feel confident and bold. I can walk into any room, head held high, and hold my own. I’m not trying to impress anyone else; I simply love how the heels make me feel. What gives you that sassy flare, that extra enthusiasm, that tilt in your hips when you walk? For me, a fiery-red lipstick is a tool of empowerment. On tough days, I challenge myself to get up, get dressed, and put on my best shoes. The higher the heel, the better. And you know what? It works.

Find the style ritual that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Whether it’s a bold lipstick, a favorite outfit, or a particular accessory, it’s about connecting with the woman inside who is strong, confident, and ready to conquer whatever comes her way.

REFLECTIONS

1. Be Aware of Eye Contact: Start each day by standing in front of a mirror and making eye contact with yourself. Say something kind, affirming your worth and power. This simple act of self-connection can shift your mindset and strengthen your inner dialogue. 

Action Step: Each morning, take thirty seconds to lock eyes with your reflection and speak words of kindness to yourself. Feel the power of your own gaze.

1. Prioritize Physical and Mental Self-Care: Your body and mind are the foundation of everything you do. Remember, you only have one body, so treat it like a naos (your sacred sanctuary). Prioritize rituals that support both physical and mental health. In doing so, you are nurturing your vitality and well-being.

Action Step: Dedicate time to intentional physical care, whether it’s a short walk, stretching, or setting intentions for your day. Combine this with a mental health practice, such as journaling or visualization, to feel grounded and ready.

1. Establish Style Rituals: The way you care for yourself impacts how you feel. Style rituals—whether it’s your signature lipstick, the outfit that makes you feel powerful, or the shoes that give you confidence—are a form of self-respect. These rituals are more than appearance; they signal to yourself that you are worthy and capable.

Action Step: Find one ritual that makes you feel empowered and commit to it each day. Whether it’s styling your hair, applying your favorite lipstick, or wearing your go-to heels, let this ritual be your reminder of your strength and confidence.

1. Embrace the Journey to Self-Love: Winning over your harshest critic (yourself) requires daily practices that prioritize self-love and connection. Change happens when we commit to habits that nurture our well-being, mind, and spirit.

Action Step: Choose one new habit from this chapter to implement each day. Be consistent, and remind yourself that you are enough—just as you are. The journey back to yourself starts today.

TAKEAWAYS

• You are not your harshest thoughts. You are the voice that can replace them.

• Your body is not a burden. It is a sacred space, your naos, worthy of care and reverence.

• The mirror doesn’t reflect flaws; it reflects a woman who keeps showing up. That’s power!

• Caring for yourself physically boosts vitality. Strength is your birthright, not a bonus.

• Style rituals aren’t superficial. They’re daily reminders that you matter, that you deserve to feel good.

• Self-love is not a luxury. It is a necessity, a discipline, and a daily practice.

• The journey to loving yourself starts with awareness, but it blooms through action.

Chapter 2

Supermom Habits

Being a parent is dirty and scary and beautiful and hard and 

miraculous and exhausting and thankless and joyful and 

frustrating all at once. It’s everything. 

—Jill Smokler

I often reminisce about life before kids and how those cute, rambunctious little monsters hijack most of my time. Pre-motherhood, losing a few pounds or getting in shape wasn’t even a thought. It was “totes easy,” as the kids say today. Fast-forward to motherhood, and we moms are busier than ever. Creating healthy habits and sticking to them isn’t as simple anymore.

Somewhere along the way, we became second to our little ones. They are our first priority, yet we sometimes forget that we matter too. New moms often feel like their hands are more than full. Moms of toddlers run around like chickens with their heads cut off. And if your kids are preteens or teens, it doesn’t get any easier.

At every stage, we are juggling everyone else’s needs while trying to figure out how to balance life, stay sane, be healthy, and—this is a big one—love ourselves unconditionally. Truth be told, we’re busy! Aren’t we, gals? We may not notice when the sun sets, but we sure know when it rises! Just as time never stops, we keep tick-tocking! You are a supermom because no one handles life quite like you. 

The Pooch and the Pressure

Is your metabolism not what it used to be? Our bodies don’t bounce back the way they did in our teens and twenties. Let’s talk about the pooch. You know the one. That stubborn belly fat that refuses to budge no matter what we do. I know there are some fabulous, fit moms out there killing it on Instagram. They seem to have mastered the pooch problem. And hey, we’re a bit jealous, aren’t we? How did they do it? Why is theirs gone and mine is lingering? But here’s the thing: Your health, your body, and your confidence should be defined by you—not by society’s impossible beauty standards.

The goal here is self-acceptance for where you are today. It’s important to be present in your body without falling into the trap of comparison, shame, and harsh judgement. Doing so requires a shift in what you’ve been told is beautiful and acceptable. Redefine beauty in the truest sense, and you’ll discover that it radiates from within and places self-love above all else. In time, you will intuit what diet, exercise routine, and weight suits you best because it will come easily and without stress. Follow the prompt of your inner self, not society, and it will lead you to a body that is uniquely yours and feels right. It won’t likely be the twenty-year-old version, but that’s the point. You are always changing, so it makes sense that your body will undergo some transformations too. Learning to embrace this evolution rather than resist it, frees you up to focus on what really matters. . Because you matter. Your health matters. And I want you to live your best life—one filled with vibrant experiences, travel, and joy.

The Power of Self-Talk

You might be surprised to know this, but we talk to ourselves more than anyone else. Whether we’re celebrating a win or analyzing a loss, we’re constantly narrating our lives. We praise or appraise our own performance. If we’re not careful, our minds can beat us down mentally, taking defeats or losses quite personally. Those peculiar, pestering thoughts seep into the recesses of our mind and bombard us. And if we’re not careful, those inner conversations can turn toxic.

Take the loss of a relationship or a friendship that no longer served you. Even if you know it was the right decision, negative thoughts can creep in, making you second-guess yourself. Thoughts may be intangible, but if you act on them, they mold your reality. You have a choice: Speak to yourself with kindness and encouragement, or mentally tear yourself down.

The “I Am” Habit

Developing an “I am” habit can transform how you see and treat yourself. Speak to yourself in the positive present tense:

• I am confident.
• I am making healthy decisions.
• I am a great writer.

This simple habit eliminates the negative self-talk that says, “I am not good enough,” or “I am not going to succeed.” Think of your mind like a garden. You wouldn’t plant weeds in your garden, so why allow negative thoughts to take root in your mind?

Research supports this approach. A study from the University of Cambridge found that suppressing negative thoughts can improve mental health, even for those struggling with PTSD. Contrary to popular belief, suppressing unwanted thoughts reduces their power over time, leading to improved emotional well-being. Professor Michael Anderson, who led the study, explained: “We’ve been told that suppressing thoughts is ineffective and makes people think about them more—like the classic, ‘Don’t think about a pink elephant.’ However, our research shows that suppressing negative thoughts actually improved mental health outcomes.”1

Be Your Own Mental Mentor

We often look to others for motivation, but what if you became your own source of encouragement? One powerful technique is addressing yourself in the third person during stressful moments. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” say, “You’ve got this. Breathe deeply and stay calm.” It may feel odd at first, but research suggests that speaking to yourself in the third person creates emotional distance, helping you process feelings more objectively.

Trust Your Inner Compass

You have an internal compass—a guiding intuition that’s always trying to lead you in the right direction. Think about Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. He never let go of his magical compass because he believed it would always lead him to what he truly wanted. You have that same inner compass. But unlike Jack’s, yours won’t be stolen. When you listen to your instincts and trust yourself, life’s path becomes clearer.

Building Transformational Habits

As moms, our schedules revolve around our kids. Finding time for wellness and self-care often feels impossible.

But I’ve learned that small, daily habits can create extraordinary results. For example, I’ve been taking daily walks for over ten years. It started with a simple decision to make time for myself. I replaced my afternoon nap with a thirty-minute walk, and now it’s a nonnegotiable habit. 

REFLECTIONS

Your “I Am” List

By changing negative self-talk and building positive routines, you can create a healthier, more fulfilling life.

On a blank sheet of paper, create three columns:

Fill in three to five items under each column. Then do the following:

• Embody your “I am.”
• Eliminate your “I am not.”
• Make progress on your “I am working on.”

With intentional effort, you’ll transform your mindset and your life.

TAKEAWAYS

• Habits don’t have to be perfect—they just have to start. Small shifts lead to big changes.

• Your self-talk is shaping your story. Speak to yourself with the same love you give others.

• The “I am” habit is a mindset game-changer. What you affirm, you become.

• Body comparison steals your joy. Health is about vitality, not vanity.

• Replace guilt with grace. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.

• Your intuition is a compass. Trust it. Follow it. It’s never steered you wrong.

• You already have the power. You just need a plan—and belief—to unlock it.

Chapter 3

Getting Rid of Irrational Fears

Hope begins in the dark.

—Anne Lamott

The quote above from Anne Lamott captures the journey so many of us face as mothers, especially when fear feels louder than hope. Fear sneaks into our lives the moment we become moms. It’s a natural response that helps us recognize potential threats and protect ourselves and our children. When we become mothers, our instinct to shield our little ones goes into overdrive. I know this because I am a mom to two boys I fiercely protect! 

Sometimes, though, fear storms in. It takes over when you’re facing something that feels too big to fix: a medical diagnosis, intense bullying, your teen experimenting with drugs or slipping away into rebellion. You’re doing your best, setting boundaries, showing up, praying, pleading—and yet you still feel powerless. That hopelessness creeps in with the late-night questions we never say out loud: What if they never come back? What if they hate me for intervening? What if I lose them?

Fear becomes a problem when it shifts from being a helpful safeguard to an irrational force that dictates our every move. We’ve brought human beings into this world, and yes, we would move mountains for their safety! 

But here’s the catch: What we fear, we pass on. When we let imagined fears take the wheel, those anxieties imprint on our children. If we constantly say no, reprimand too often, or overreact to everyday mishaps, we may unintentionally be teaching them to live in fear rather than confidence.

That’s not to say we shouldn’t correct bad behavior. If your toddler smears soggy Cheetos on the wall, how do you react? Do you scold out of instinct, or do you handle it calmly? How about if your child falls? Do you automatically go into fight-or-flight mode, or do you pause before reacting?

As parents, our automatic programming often leans toward scolding and saying no. Children’s brains aren’t fully developed. They don’t always understand right from wrong. While it’s important to establish rules and discipline, the word no should not become the default language of our parenting.

Try reframing your response. When my son fell as a toddler, I’d say “Wow, that was a cool move!” or “Great job getting back up!” If he was genuinely hurt, I’d kiss his boo-boos and comfort him, but I avoided turning every stumble into a catastrophe. This calm approach helps kids develop resilience, and it might help steady your nerves too. Taking center stage in your life means showing up with intention—even in the everyday chaos of spills, tantrums, and scraped knees. 

Momxiety: When Worry Takes Over

Momxiety is that nagging mix of worry, nervousness, and unease that shows up the moment you become a mother. It’s that constant inner chatter: Is the baby breathing? Did I sanitize the bottle enough? Am I doing this right? It starts early and can easily spiral into an all-consuming cycle of fear.

Now, don’t get me wrong: It’s normal to be protective, especially in today’s world. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened our awareness of germs, and some caution is healthy. But here’s the hard truth: Worrying doesn’t solve problems; it creates them. It raises your stress levels, steals joy from moments you should be savoring, and worst of all, it can create a domino effect of anxiety that spills over into your children’s lives.

Safety Momxiety

Do you have overblown fears of some catastrophe happening to your child or family? You might obsess that the garage door was left open, the alarm wasn’t set, or the house isn’t secure enough. I can attest to leaving my bedroom door open so I can hear my boys if they need me—or closing all the blinds in case someone might be watching me from the outside. These fears feel real in the moment, but often they’re just imagined projections of what-if scenarios.

Living this way wears us out and teaches our kids to live on the edge of constant fear. If your anxiety feels overwhelming, consider seeking professional support. Getting your fears in check helps not only you but also your family.

Association Momxiety

This anxiety revolves around the people we allow near our children. Do they need to be constantly vetted and monitored? Sometimes, yes. If your gut tells you something is off, trust it. I remember years ago, a gentleman gave me the creeps whenever he was around my kids. I quickly stopped all association because my intuition was clear: Something was wrong! Never second-guess your instincts. That said, we shouldn’t automatically view everyone with suspicion. Having a constant fear or distrust of people teaches our children that the world is unsafe. Trust your instincts, but balance them with rational thinking. Teach your kids to be cautious, not fearful.

Momxiety→ Childhood Anxiety→ Adult Anxiety

Anxiety doesn’t just appear one day. It is built over a lifetime of experiences. A child raised in an environment of constant fear or negativity internalizes those patterns and carries them into adulthood.

Imagine this: A parent projects unease onto their child, unintentionally imprinting fear-based behaviors. That child grows into a teen who is anxious and uncertain, and by adulthood, they have deeply ingrained fears that they don’t even realize were modeled to them.

Children are expert observers. Paired with what we say, they listen and pay attention to how we react to everyday life encounters. They are influenced by how we handle stress, how we interact with others, and how we view life as something to either fear or embrace. They do as we do, not necessarily as we say. As moms, we must be diligent in recognizing these generational patterns. By managing our fears and anxieties, we give our children the tools to grow into confident, resilient adults. Therefore it’s important to be mindful of our nuanced behaviors that send the wrong message.

Children are sponges for not only knowledge but emotions, energy, and behaviors. You are your child’s first mirror. They don’t just hear what you say; they see how you say it. If you approach a problem rationally and with confidence, they’ll also internalize those traits. But if you consistently respond with panic, anger, or fear, they are likely to reflect that behavior too. Whether it’s worrying over scraped knees or panicking over whether your teen will come home safe, our anxiety writes the early scripts our children will carry with them.

The Power of Your Reactions

Imagine your child scrapes their knee. If you rush over in a panic, they’ll likely burst into tears—even if it wasn’t that bad. But if you stay steady and say, “Oops, that was a good fall! Let’s check it out,” they are more likely to brush it off and move on.

I remember the scene like it was yesterday. My boys were playing on the bed, and my little one’s teeth bit all the way through his tongue. I was alarmed that he was hurt, but I didn’t overreact. When he saw that I didn’t panic, he responded in kind. I took him to the emergency room, and he remained calm the entire time. I was so impressed! Though I can imagine a different outcome if I had overreacted and panicked. 

Your reactions teach resilience. They show your child how to handle challenges, big and small. The tone of your voice carries weight—sometimes more than the words themselves. A sharp tone can feel like a reprimand, even if you’re simply saying, “Pick that up!” A gentle tone, on the other hand, makes requests feel like invitations instead of demands.

Your Cues Shape Their Future

Your child is learning to interpret the world through your actions and energy. Every expression, reaction, and vocal tone teaches them something—whether it’s resilience, confidence, or anxiety. By being mindful of your visual and mental cues, you are raising a self-aware and emotionally secure child, and also building a healthier dynamic for yourself.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness. Every small shift in your responses—pausing before reacting, softening your tone, approaching challenges with calmness—creates a ripple effect that shapes your child’s emotional intelligence and overall well-being. If you’re having difficulty reining in your reactive emotions, I encourage you to develop a self-check system to help you retrain your autopilot responses. In doing so, you are also retraining your kids as well. 

First, identify your triggers. Write down three situations where you often feel reactive. Then, design alternative ways to respond that are reasonable for each situation that shift you into intentional parenting instead of reacting out of fear or anger. Here is a framework to follow:  

• Pause before reacting: Take a deep breath before responding to a frustrating situation. A two-second pause can mean the difference between an impulsive reaction and a thoughtful response.
• Reframe the message: Swap criticism for encouragement. Instead of saying, “You are so messy!” say, “Oops, let’s clean this up together.”
• Model problem-solving: When things go wrong, verbalize your thought process. “Hmm, this spilled juice is a mess. Let’s grab some paper towels and fix it.” This teaches kids problem-solving and resourcefulness.
• Check your energy: Your mood sets the tone. At the end of the day, reflect on how your emotions shaped your child’s behavior. If you were stressed, think of small shifts to reset for tomorrow.

Before I began this journey, I reacted from a place of overwhelm. But stepping into my power meant learning to pause, to breathe, and to choose my response. That power pause has provided strength. It’s the sacred space where growth lives—for both me and my children.

REFLECTIONS

Rewiring Your Reactions

Use this worksheet to become more aware of your responses and create new, constructive habits.

1. Replace my examples with real-life scenarios that trigger your reactive response.

1. Be honest about how your child typically reacts to your fear triggers.
2. Brainstorm and practice new responses to create a more positive pattern.
3. Reflect on any changes in your child’s behavior after implementing these shifts.

TAKEAWAYS

• Your reactions shape their world: Children mirror your behavior. Respond with calmness and intention.

• Recognize healthy fear versus irrational fear: Sometimes fear is necessary, but often it creates unnecessary anxiety.

• Mistakes are learning moments: Show your child how to handle challenges instead of fearing them.

• You are your child’s first role model: Your body language, words, and tone teach them how to navigate life. 

• Change starts small: One mindful response at a time can reshape your child’s emotional development.

How you respond in everyday chaotic moments reshapes your kids and you. Every calm response, every reframed reaction is a step toward the woman you are becoming. You are rising into a more powerful self as you raise your kids. And that is part of you taking center stage. 

She lives in Florida with her family, where life is full, vibrant, and always
a little messy—in the best way.

Mom Take Center Stage is her debut book—and the beginning of a movement.

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