“Let Them” motherhood edition
The "Let Them" Approach: A Game-Changer for Moms
I still remember the moment I saw my daughter’s school pictures—her bright smile, her excitement shining through, and her very worn-out sneakers. My first thought wasn’t how happy she looked, but a wave of embarrassment. What will people think? I almost let that worry overshadow the joy of the moment. But then I caught myself—why was I letting the fear of judgment take away from something that didn’t really matter? That moment was a reminder to embrace the let them approach. If someone wanted to judge her shoes, let them. Her happiness was what truly mattered.
Motherhood is full of pressure—pressure to do it all, be everything to everyone, and make sure everyone is happy. But what if one of the most freeing things you could do as a mom is simply let them?
The "let them" approach, popularized by Mel Robbins, is all about letting go of the need to control other people’s opinions, choices, and reactions. It’s a shift in mindset that can make a huge difference in reducing stress and anxiety in motherhood.
How the "Let Them" Approach Helps Moms
As moms, we often get stuck in overthinking—worrying about what others think of our parenting, feeling responsible for everyone’s happiness, or trying to manage every little detail. The "let them" approach offers a simple but powerful alternative to help moms manage anxiety and stress:
Your toddler refuses to wear a jacket? Let them. (And bring it just in case.)
Your friend doesn’t text back? Let them. (It’s not about you.)
Another mom judges your parenting choices? Let them. (You know what’s best for your family.)
Your partner loads the dishwasher “wrong”? Let them. (The dishes are still getting cleaned!)
Your child wants to wear mismatched socks to school? Let them. (It builds independence.)
A relative gives unsolicited parenting advice? Let them. (You don’t have to take it.)
Your kid refuses to eat dinner? Let them. (They’ll eat when they’re hungry.)
Someone has a different parenting style than you? Let them. (There’s no one right way to parent.)
Instead of draining your energy trying to control things beyond your power, let them be, and focus on what you can control—your peace, your boundaries, and your well-being as a mom.
Why This Works for Stress and Anxiety in Motherhood
When we stop trying to manage others' actions or thoughts, we relieve ourselves of unnecessary emotional weight. Moms already carry enough mental load—why add more by overthinking or over-explaining?
By embracing let them, we create space for more peace, patience, and presence. We model resilience and confidence for our kids. And most importantly, we remind ourselves that we are not responsible for everyone else’s feelings—only our own.
A Simple Shift with a Big Impact
Next time you find yourself spiraling over something outside your control, pause and ask: Can I just let them? If the answer is yes, take a deep breath and release it.
Motherhood is hard enough. You deserve to protect your energy and focus on what truly matters. Letting go doesn’t mean you don’t care—it means you are choosing peace over unnecessary stress.
If you’re looking for more strategies to reduce anxiety and feel more grounded in motherhood, consider connecting with a therapist who understands the challenges moms face.
