Episode #215
Self-Worth, External Validation & Inner Child Healing in Motherhood with Anuja Khadka
Does your child’s success ever feel like a reflection of whether you’re doing a “good enough” job as a mom? Motherhood can bring our own childhood experiences, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and need for external validation to the surface, sometimes without us even realizing it. In this episode, Emily talks with Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Anuja Khadka about self-worth in motherhood, inner child healing, mom guilt, social media comparison, and what can happen when we tie our identity as mothers to our children’s outcomes. Anuja shares how she recognized this pattern in her own motherhood journey and explains why a child’s milestones, achievements, and struggles aren’t a report card on a mother’s worth. They also dig into how your own childhood wounds can show up in parenting: a toddler’s tantrum, your child’s school experience, or even a seemingly small everyday moment can sometimes trigger an emotional response that feels much bigger than the situation itself. Anuja explains why noticing those reactions can offer an opportunity to get curious about what’s underneath them. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Why moms can tie their self-worth to their children’s achievements • The difference between responsibility and control in motherhood • How childhood experiences can shape our need for external validation • Social media comparison and the pressure of the “perfect mom” • Moving from external validation toward internal validation • Reclaiming your identity beyond the role of mom Connect with Anuja: Instagram: @thatbrowngirltherapist Website: www.therapycocoon.com ✨ Let’s keep the convo going: Follow Emily on Instagram → @honestlyemilyrose Follow the podcast on TikTok → @thesparkleprojectpod Subscribe + Review: If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow mom and leave a 5-star review! Send us Fan Mail
