Setting boundaries shouldn't feel like betrayal — but in many mother-daughter relationships, it does. In this episode of Dear Mom, Dear Daughter, we have an honest, emotional and nuanced conversation about the quiet guilt mothers carry when trying to do their best, and the pressure daughters feel to meet expectations, avoid disappointment, and still become their own person.
From emotional labour and the myth of the "perfect mom," to people-pleasing daughters and the art of saying no with love — we unpack the real tension between love, identity and autonomy in families. We reflect on what it means to raise and be raised in a South African home, where generational expectations often collide with modern boundaries.
We also discuss:
Why setting boundaries is a gift, not a rejection
How mom guilt shows up silently — and how to manage it
The pressure on daughters to be everything, all the time
The healing power of open, awkward conversations
If you're navigating your own mother-daughter relationship, trying to break cycles without breaking hearts, or just want to feel seen — this one’s for you.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments. We’re building a space for real, raw and relatable conversations — and you belong here.
#motherdaughterpodcast #momguilt #settingboundaries #southafricanpodcast #generationalhealing