Mom Guilt Be Gone: Nicole Holcomb’s Playbook for Dyslexia Moms
Picture this: you’re sinking into a hot bath, book in hand, ready to snatch five minutes of peace after a marathon week of lawyering, podcasting, and elf-on-the-shelf-ing—only for your dyslexic daughter to burst in, homework woes in tow, followed by your husband’s curious head-pop. Sound familiar? That’s Nicole Holcomb’s Thursday night confession on Episode 30 of the “Dyslexia Mom Life” podcast, and it’s a guilt-trip trap many moms know too well. But Nicole’s not here to wallow—she’s got a neuroscience-backed game plan to kick mom guilt to the curb, and it’s a must-read for parents raising kids with differences. Because you’re not just a mom—you’re a human, and it’s time to act like it.
The Guilt Trap: A Dyslexia Mom’s Daily Dance
Nicole’s a former educator turned attorney, mom to a nine-year-old dyslexia dynamo who loves Harry Potter and Minecraft. Her week? Ten-hour law days, podcast nights, and the chaos of Christmas prep—typical supermom stuff. But when her daughter’s “I want Mom for homework” plea pierced her bubble bath bliss, the guilt hit hard. “Why didn’t I wait?” she wondered, gut twisting. It’s a universal mom moment—amplified when your kid’s dyslexia means extra support, extra time, extra everything. Society’s cape-twirling expectations don’t help, but Nicole nails it: “Sometimes it’s our own expectations.” Parents, sound the alarm—you’re not failing; you’re human.xt
Catch It, Name It, Flip It: The Brain Game
Here’s where Nicole gets clever—and I get giddy. Step one: catch the guilt. That twinge when you miss soccer practice or get a tearful “I miss you” call? Spot it. Step two: name it. “I feel guilty,” she says, nodding to cognitive behavioral therapy’s power move—labeling emotions shrinks their grip. Step three: flip it. “I’m doing my best,” she self-talks, rewiring that neural panic into calm. Neuroscience loves this: your plastic brain can shift from guilt-spiral to self-compassion with practice. Parents, this isn’t fluff—it’s science. Teach your kid this trick too; they’ll thank you when they’re 30.
Author Quote“
I feel guilty right now—that’s okay—but I’m doing the best I can.
”
Ditch the Scroll, Embrace the Mess
Nicole’s no Pollyanna—she’s a Type-A perfectionist who admits Instagram’s highlight reels sting. “Stop the comparison,” she urges, suggesting a social media detox when guilt’s brewing. “No one’s perfect,” she insists, and she’s right—those flawless feeds are curated, not lived. Then, the mic-drop: “Let it go.” Like Elsa, but with less ice and more grit. Breathe deep (oxygen clears the fog), ask, “Will this matter next week?” (spoiler: usually no), and release it. Parents, your dyslexic kid doesn’t need a flawless mom—they need a real one who models resilience over regret.
Key Takeaways:
1
Guilt’s a Brain Trick: Catch it, name it, flip it—self-talk rewires your mind to ditch the shame spiral.
2
Comparison Kills: Social media’s perfection lie fuels guilt—unplug and embrace your real, messy life.
3
You’re Still You: Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s modeling resilience for your dyslexic kid.
You Didn’t Disappear—So Show Up for You
Here’s Nicole’s gut-punch truth: “When we become moms, we disappear.” Oof. Raising a kid with dyslexia can swallow your identity—every missed milestone feels like your fault. But Nicole’s flipping that script too. “Make time for yourself,” she says, because a drained mom can’t pour into anyone. That bath? Not selfish—it’s survival. Parents, this is neuroplasticity 101: your brain thrives on balance, not burnout. Your kid’s watching—show them a mom who’s whole, not a martyr. It’s not indulgence; it’s oxygen for the journey.
Author Quote“
When we become moms, we disappear… It may feel like it, but you have to flip the script.
”
Guilt’s Reign Ends Here
Nicole’s story slays the guilt monster I despise—the one whispering you’re not enough for your dyslexic kid. Newsflash: you are. But it’s on you, parents, to ditch the cape and grab the reins. Catch that guilt, rewire your thoughts, and step into your messy, magnificent self—because your child’s not the only one growing here. Nicole’s proof: a thriving mom raises a thriving kid, dyslexia and all. So take that breath, let it go, and lead by example. The only thing you should feel guilty about? Not starting sooner.
