Three summers ago, I left the workforce with a big smile and no idea what was coming. I thought I’d traded startup chaos for the “freedom” of working for myself—then learned building your own thing can be just as consuming. The little tasks I used to avoid (laundry, housecleaning, meal prep) suddenly moved to the top of my list.

Two years into MomShine, I see it clearly: the mom “mistakes,” the myths I believed, and the messy detours weren’t failures—they were the path. Motherhood has felt like growing up all over again: a crash course in humility, resilience, and rediscovering myself. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that meaning lives inside the mess. Every detour, meltdown, and “oops” helped shape who I am today.

Motherhood asks us to shape-shift and shine—to do what makes us our best selves, because that’s the best gift we can give our kids. Turning failures into fuel is where the real learning happens.

So, here are the bloopers that built the blueprint.

Mom Mistake 1: Thinking There Was a Playbook (Instead: Embrace Motherhood’s Chaos)

I thought I could plan my way through motherhood. Instead, I learned that chaos is the playbook. Flexibility and humor—not control—get you through. And every kid is different. What worked for one might not for another. It’s all about adapting and pivoting for the best outcomes.

Try this: Set a weekly “what worked/what didn’t” family huddle (10 minutes).

Mom Mistake 2: Thinking Working for Myself Would Mean Less Guilt

I believed entrepreneurship would give me freedom from mom guilt. But guilt didn’t disappear—it just changed shape. What I’ve learned: presence matters more than perfection. And whether you work, work from home, or have flexible work arrangements, you will constantly ask if you are doing enough. The truth is, you are, and then some, just by being there. 

Mom Mistake 3: Thinking Success Was About Hustling Harder

Burnout taught me that hustle ≠ happiness. Success is a mindset shift for moms, especially, not more hours of grinding. I recently interviewed Lisa M Easton, who mentioned that the key to success is all in shifting your mindset. Our episode on Manifesting Your Future is less about working more. She manifests her goals in scripted, tangible formats, and within 3 months, the goals she manifests begin to come to reality. Because when you believe what’s possible, things start to shift.

Mom Mistake 4: Thinking Kids Needed a Ton of Activities

We overscheduled, we burned out, and we even dealt with blown growth plates. Now I believe one activity per season (with lots of downtime) can be more than enough. Too many activities can lead to overscheduled kids burning out. And simple conditioning, stretching, and any other passions can aid in a long-term active lifestyle.

Check out our article, “7 Time Management Questions on Kids’ Activities Answered,” for more clarity. I also refer to the chart of age-appropriate learning for sports frequently.

Mom Mistake 5: Assuming It Would Get Easier

Spoiler: it doesn’t. Each stage is hard—and beautiful—in its own way. Motherhood is all-in, always. Shifting expectations is how you find energy. As they get older, needs start to shift, but there is no easy parenting as it evolves and at times gets even more complex.

One thing I’m loving as my tween starts making her way is staying up to date on their new lingo and teen slang, if you will! [I covered this in this article and will compile a new one for this year.] This helps me connect, defuse conflict, and get a good laugh from time to time.

Fun win: Learn their slang—it’s connection (and comic relief).

Mom Mistake 6: Treating AI + Social Like the Enemy

Instead of fearing tech, I’ve started teaching my kids to harness it as a tool—and modeling curiosity instead of avoidance. I don’t know about you, but tech and kids are so overplayed in the media as clickbait and around fear. When I had Tina Sharkey, a leader in AI, she said it’s all about teaching kids discernment in today’s modern world. Leverage it as a tool for them to be curious instead of thinking it’s the end-all, be-all to their reality. Additionally, AI and parenting complement each other nicely, simplifying tasks such as packing lists, dinner planning, and more.

I’ve also realized there’s no shame in digging in and finding shortcuts where you can. Two-in-one products, supporting female-founded brands, or leaning on AI for help with stories, chore charts, or even travel planning — these little hacks free up more space for what actually matters.

 Some AI posts for busy moms for more inspo on this topic:

Mom Mistake 7: Thinking I Was in Menopause 

Marketing had me convinced my body was broken. In reality? It was undiagnosed endometriosis. Lesson: advocate for yourself. I had to become well-versed on endometriosis awareness and am now educating my girls. If something feels wrong, get answers. Again, marketing can catch us all, and it could be why menopause is having a moment, but listen to your own body first. 

Mom Mistake 8: Thinking I Had to Do It All Myself

Delegation is love. Ask for help, accept it, and redistribute the load at home. I wore “doing it all” like a badge of honor. But trying to be the cook, chauffeur, nurse, therapist, and CEO of the house left me drained. Asking for help (and accepting it) doesn’t make you less of a mom—it makes you a human one.

Mom Mistake 9: Thinking Self-Care Was Selfish

For years, I put myself last. The result? Burnout and resentment. I’ve since learned that when I fill my tank—through movement, rest, or joy—my whole family benefits. Time away and self-care aren’t indulgent; they’re family care.

Mom Mistake 10: Thinking Daily Intentional Habits Wouldn’t Change Much 

Consistency changes everything. I used to believe that setting goals, meditating, and exercising daily were “nice-to-haves,” not life-changers. But when I made them non-negotiable, my world shifted. Within two months, I landed a job I’m thrilled about — and that role found me while I was finally clear on the goals I was striving toward. Manifesting, as my podcast guest Lisa M. Easton taught me, is more than wishful thinking. It’s a daily, intentional practice of scripting your success that rewires your belief in what’s possible. And now, I’ll never look back.

Making those habits non-negotiable was my way of protecting my shine. The clarity I gained permeated every aspect of my life, and it serves as a reminder that being your best self is the most powerful example you can set for your kids.

Mom Mistake 11: Thinking “Good Moms Don’t Get Angry” or Also Have Meltdowns

Suppressing emotions leads to explosions. Lesson: kids benefit from seeing healthy expressions of all emotions—anger included—and how to repair after conflict. Be yourself! Highs, lows, and everything in between as you evolve with your kids.

Mom Takeaways = Turning the Imperfections Into Mom Wins!

Motherhood isn’t about avoiding mistakes—it’s about growing through them. Every ER visit, tear-filled night, and moment of doubt carved me into a more present mom and human. I’m bringing these lessons with me as I return to full-time work—and I hope they remind you to shape-shift where you need to, find your shortcuts, and protect your shine. It does work out. It always does.

Want more real talk? Listen to the MomShine Podcast or message me for free planning templates that work (Away Doc, Chore Biz, Feelings Chart) and make the day-to-day a little lighter!