Who Decides What Makes a Good Mom? Redefining Modern Motherhood, Dr Why Podcast Ep 6

What actually makes a *good* mom — patience, presence, or perfection?

In this episode of Dr Why, Dr Lauryn and Javonne explore one of the most emotionally charged and misunderstood questions in parenting: what defines a “good mother”?

They unpack decades of research on motherhood norms, including the idea of the “present mother,” and question whether society expects women to sacrifice too much. Together with returning guest, Becca Salvin, they dive into cultural expectations, gender roles, working motherhood, and the guilt that comes with trying to do it all, with plenty of laughs and real talk along the way.

00:00 - Introduction

00:27 - Defining the “working mom” and what really makes a good mother

05:10 - What the research says about modern motherhood

06:33 - The “present mother” myth — always there, always perfect

07:41 - Do moms really have to do it all?

10:37 - Old-school gender roles vs modern partnerships

13:31 - Being “present and patient” — why that’s easier said than done

18:24 - How culture shapes our expectations of motherhood

19:25 - The guilt trap of working mothers

21:04 - Marriage, business and parenting — finding your balance

25:47 - Keeping the spark alive after kids

31:48 - No parent is perfect — and that’s okay

What You’ll Learn

• Why the “good mom” stereotype is outdated and unrealistic
• What research really says about working motherhood
• The truth about mom guilt — and how to let it go
• How couples navigate parenting, partnership, and business together
• Why patience and presence don’t always go hand-in-hand
• Listen If You’ve Ever Wondered
• What actually defines a “good mom” today
• How working moms can balance career and family without losing themselves
• Why guilt is such a universal part of motherhood
• How to build a partnership that works at home *and* in business

Connect with Becca

Instagram: @beccasalvin and @thedemoboyzz

Facebook: Rebecca Miller

And Demo Boyzz

YouTube: @theDemoBoyzz

TikTok: @thedemoboyzz

www.demoboyzz.com

Resources

Website: youngmindspsych.com

Instagram: @youngmindspsych | @dr.why_podcast

Podcast: Dr Why Podcast on all major platforms

YouTube: Dr Why Podcast

TikTok: @youngminds_psych | @dr.whypodcast

Join the Conversation

Do you think being a “good mom” means putting your kids first no matter what or taking care of yourself too?

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