What causes mother guilt?

Mother guilt can stem from a variety of sources, including:

1. High expectations: Some mothers may feel pressure to be perfect, or they may have unrealistic expectations for themselves. This can lead to feelings of guilt when they feel like they fall short of these expectations.
2. Lack of support: If a mother feels like she is not getting enough support from her partner, family, or friends, she may feel guilty about not being able to do everything on her own.
3. Work-family conflict: Mothers who work outside the home may feel guilty about not spending enough time with their children or not being able to be there for them when they need them.
4. Comparison to others: Mothers may feel guilty when they compare themselves to other mothers who they perceive to be doing a better job.
5. Perfectionism: Mothers who are perfectionists may feel guilty about any perceived shortcomings or mistakes they make.
6. Trauma or abuse: Mothers who have experienced trauma or abuse in their own childhood may feel guilty about their own parenting abilities.

It is important to remember that every mother’s experience is unique and there is no one cause of mother guilt. It is also important to recognize that guilt is a normal part of motherhood, but it is important to find ways to cope with it in a healthy way.