Episode 100: What My Kids Really Think About Mom Guilt, Worthiness, and Investing in Yourself

The Question Every Mom Asks Herself

Have you ever wrestled with mom guilt—that nagging thought that taking time or money for yourself somehow makes you selfish? For years, I believed pouring into everyone else was noble… until I realized my kids were getting the tired, stressed-out, half-empty version of me.

That’s why this 100th episode of the Spiral Up Podcast is so special. I invited my kids, Koren (16) and Leighton (12), to share their honest perspective on what it’s been like to have a mom who is actively investing in herself. Spoiler: their answers will surprise you.

My Wake-Up Call Started with Skincare

Back in 2016, I was living the dream on paper—professor at Mayo Clinic, nurse anesthetist, dream home, two adorable kids. But inside, I was running on fumes.

Then came the $150 box of skincare that changed everything. It wasn’t just about my skin. It was the moment I realized I was worthy of investing two minutes a day into myself. That tiny “yes” was the breadcrumb God used to shift my self worth as a woman and spark the journey that led me here.

The Vase, Not the Pitcher

I shared this with my kids during our conversation: if we’re constantly pouring out like a tipped-over pitcher, we eventually run dry. But when we allow ourselves to stand tall like a vase, connected to Source and filled from the inside out, the overflow blesses everyone around us.

Koren admitted that when I’m stressed and stretched too thin, I’m quicker to snap and less present. Leighton confessed that on those days, I’d rather go to bed than play a family game. Ouch, right? But when I’m rested, filled, and aligned? They both said I’m more fun, more balanced, and more there.

That’s the ripple of self-care, and it’s the heartbeat of faith based business too—you can’t serve others well when you’re running on empty.

Modeling vs. Telling

As parents, we all say things like, “Go after your dreams” or “Choose good friends.” But our kids don’t learn from our words. They learn from what they see us do.

When Koren and Leighton watch me take risks—like leaving my safe hospital job, starting a coaching business, or even buying an Airbnb—they’re not just seeing success. They’re learning resilience, patience, and the truth that sometimes the process is messy, but it’s worth it.

Leighton put it perfectly: “It’s not just about doing it to get it done. It’s about doing more than what was expected.”

That’s leadership. And it starts at home.

The Ripple of Saying Yes

Every mom I talk to about retreats or coaching shares the same fear: “If I spend this money or take this time, I’m taking it away from my family.”

But here’s the truth my kids just confirmed: it’s not an expense, it’s an investment. When I invest in my growth, I become a more present, joyful, faith-filled mom. When I fill my own cup, my family drinks from the overflow—not the dregs.

Koren and Leighton made it clear: they don’t feel deprived when I say yes to myself. They feel inspired. That’s what real time freedom for moms looks like—the freedom to show up fully, without guilt, and to create a ripple effect in your home.

Your Kids Are Watching You

If you want your kids to dream big, take risks, and lead with faith, the best thing you can do is model it yourself. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to show them what it looks like to:

• Take aligned risks.
  
  

• Trust God’s timing.
  
  

• Keep going when things get tough.
  
  

• Celebrate the wins and the lessons.
  
  

Because the truth is, our kids don’t need us to sacrifice ourselves for them. They need us to show them what living fully and faithfully actually looks like.

Final Thoughts

Episode 100 is proof that when moms rise, families rise too. Worthiness isn’t just about skincare boxes or retreats in Greece—it’s about recognizing that every time you say yes to yourself, you’re saying yes to a legacy your kids will carry forward.

So the next time guilt whispers that you’re taking away from your family by investing in yourself, remember this: your kids are watching. And they’re rooting for you to say yes.

Listen to Episode 100 of the Spiral Up Podcast and let Koren & Leighton remind you—your family gets the best of you when you invest in you.