Parenting While Running a Business, Mental Health and Boundaries

Описание: Running a business while raising a family sounds flexible on paper, but in real life, it can feel overwhelming.
In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, we sit down with licensed professional counselor Nicole McNelis to talk honestly about what happens when entrepreneurship, parenting, and mental health collide.
We cover burnout, guilt, boundaries, and the pressure parents place on themselves to “do it all.” Nicole shares practical tools for managing stress, protecting your energy, and making peace with the fact that perfection is not the goal. Progress is.
This conversation is for creative entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and parents who are tired, stretched thin, and still showing up anyway.

In this episode:

Why parent guilt shows up so strongly for entrepreneurs
How stress from work spills into home life
The danger of chasing perfection instead of “good enough.”
How to communicate better with your partner when time is limited
Why community and support are not optional, they're essential.

If you've ever felt like you're failing when you're actually just exhausted, this episode is for you.

Guest: Nicole McNelis
Licensed Professional Counselor, Maternal Mental Health Specialist
Website: https://nicolemcnelis.com
Instagram: @therapistmomcollective

00:00 – Why She Left a Stable Career to Help People
01:50 – Meet Nicole McNelis, Therapist for Parents & Entrepreneurs
02:51 – Taking the Leap Before Feeling “Fully Ready”
04:47 – Using Past Career Skills to Build a Business
06:07 – Choosing Family Over Corporate Life
08:33 – Regaining Control of Your Schedule as a Parent
10:17 – When Business Stress Spills Into Home Life
11:19 – The Wedding Story That Shows Parenthood Pressure
12:45 – Parents Are Human, Not Machines
14:37 – The ACA Method, Acknowledge, Curiosity, Action
16:45 – Delegation Changed Everything for Our Family
18:06 – Why Men Struggle With Emotional Burnout
19:08 – Finding the Right Therapist for You
22:13 – Networking as a Survival Tool for Entrepreneurs
24:35 – No PTO, No Backup, Being Self-Employed With Kids
25:53 – Why Letting People Help You Matters
28:13 – Small Steps to Protect Mental Health This Week
29:10 – Done Is Better Than Perfect
30:59 – How to Check In With Your Partner and Kids
33:46 – Mom Guilt and Postpartum Pressure
35:23 – Time and Energy Are Finite Resources
38:07 – Learning Without Self-Judgment
40:32 – Choosing Your Own Version of Success
45:20 – Where to Find Nicole McNelis
46:08 – Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute professional, legal, business, or financial advice. Always research and consult a qualified professional before deciding about your company or creative career. 23 Journeys, LLC and its affiliates are not responsible for any actions based on this podcast's content.

🎥 Equipment Used:
Canon R5C, Canon R5, Canon R6
Rodecaster Pro II, Rode Pod Mic
NeoLive R2 Plus Video Switcher
Aputure 300d II, Godox ML60, Godox TL60 RGB Tube Light

🖥️ Edited With:
Adobe Premiere Pro & Adobe After Effects
Edited on Mac Pro with M2 Processor

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