Children reconnect us with the magic all around us
The Campfire Interview Series - Parenting with Catherine Wilde
This post is part of my monthly The Campfire Interview series, available free to all of my subscribers. This series is an opportunity to ask, interview, or feature my community and their experiences of one of the main topics that I write about here on Substack - motherhood, neurodivergence, mental health, running a creative small business, and slow living. If those topics are of interest to you, we’d love to have you in our community. Come join us?
Welcome to The Campfire Interview Series!
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, I put a call out for members of my community to take part in an interview or guest post for me to share on my Substack. The responses flooded in, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
This interview series will be an ongoing series, so if you’d like to take part, you can find more details at the end of this post.
Now, let me introduce
A brief introduction of who you are and what you do
I’m Catherine Wilde, a homeschooling mom of three amazing girls, the founder of Soul Care Mom and the transformational coaching program Vibrant Mom Life, and the best-selling author of Reclaiming Your Inner Sparkle. I am passionate about helping women find themselves again in motherhood and carve out time to do the things they love without mom guilt, all while being the mom they want to be. I truly believe you can feel calm and find your unshakable confidence as a mom when you first care for yourself. I want to help you to be the amazing mom you are in a way that feels true and authentic to you.
When did you become a parent?
I first became a parent in 2011. The holidays were in full swing, and we were nestled in our home when I felt the first signs from my body that our baby was ready to come into the world. We prepared the birthing tub and gathered some supplies in anticipation. After several hours of journeying through a rhythmic dance of breath and movement, our daughter was placed lovingly in my arms. Relief, exhaustion, and joy simultaneously flooded my system. It was a happy and magical moment I had looked forward to for years.
Did you always know you wanted children?
If you had asked me what I wanted to be when I was a little girl, I would’ve looked up at you with bright eyes and a hopeful smile and said, “When I’m grow’d up, I’ll be a princess, a ballerina, and a mommy!” Being a mother was woven into my dreams as naturally as playing dress-up or dancing in the living room. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to nurture, to protect, to love deeply. My earliest memories involve rocking a baby doll or gently tucking in my favorite stuffed bear for a nap. As I grew older, my vision of motherhood began to take on a deeper meaning. Motherhood became more about creating a loving, safe space where tiny, budding souls could grow, explore, and feel seen.
How did your life change when you became a parent?
After the birth of my first child, the reality of motherhood began to settle in, and it was both breathtaking and overwhelming. I had always dreamed of becoming a mom and was beyond excited—giddy, really—when I found out I was expecting. Holding my daughter for the first time was like a dream come true, and my heart was filled with a love I’d never experienced before.
But soon after, the sleepless nights set in, and with them came waves of exhaustion and anxiety. Motherhood turned my world upside-down in the most beautiful yet challenging way. No one can fully prepare you for the complete transformation that takes place. One moment, you’re wrapped in joy and wonder, and the next, you’re questioning yourself, feeling like you’re somehow falling short.
My husband and I would joke about how everything that came with our baby—cribs, car seats, even toys—had a detailed manual, but our little one, the person who mattered most, came with no instructions at all. (Wouldn’t that have been handy?) Those early days—and honestly, the first few years—were incredibly challenging, both mentally and physically.
Looking back, though, I realize that those difficult moments were also where I grew the most. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of giving myself grace. Motherhood has shown me how to let go of perfection and embrace each day as it comes, finding beauty even in the messiness and unknown. While it wasn’t always easy, those early struggles ultimately helped me become the mom I am today.
What's the best thing about having children?
As a parent and homeschooling mom, I often find myself in the role of guide and teacher, sharing knowledge and helping my children grow. But one of the most profound gifts of parenthood has been discovering how much they teach me. I’m continually amazed at how they invite me to see the world through fresh eyes, drawing me into states of awe and wonder that I might otherwise overlook in the busyness of adulting.
Through their curiosity and enthusiasm, I've learned to slow down and savor life’s simple moments. Whether it’s marveling at the intricate beauty of a leaf or snail or the way they find joy in the smallest things, my children have taught me to reconnect with the magic all around us—especially when we’re in nature. They remind me that it’s okay to be playful, to laugh, to be a bit silly, and to let go of the need for everything to be so serious.
Watching them grow and experience the world feels like a privilege beyond words. Their presence in my life has opened my heart in ways I never knew possible, helping me reach deeper levels of love, patience, and appreciation. It’s an incredible honor to walk alongside them, to be part of their lives, and to witness the beautiful journey of who they are becoming.
What's the worst thing about having children?
The hardest part of having children is undoubtedly the guilt and worry that seem to accompany parenthood. From the moment you hold them in your arms, an intense sense of responsibility takes root. You want to protect them, nurture them, make the best choices for them—and yet, doubts creep in. Am I doing enough? Am I doing this right? It’s as if a voice is constantly whispering that there’s something more I should be doing, or a better way to be.
Then there’s the worry. You want to shield them from pain and ensure they grow up healthy, happy, and secure. But there’s so much in life beyond our control, and as they grow, you realize just how many challenges and uncertainties they will have to face on their own. This awareness brings a new depth to the worry that never quite goes away, no matter their age.
Yet, as difficult as these feelings can be, they have also been powerful opportunities for growth. They invite me to be more compassionate with myself, to acknowledge that perfection isn’t possible, and to let go of the unrealistic standards I might hold myself to. I’ve had to learn to trust myself and to be okay with not having all the answers, knowing that love and intention are what truly matter.
Parenthood has shown me that, while the guilt and worry may never fully disappear, they can become reminders to stay present, to do my best with each moment, and to embrace the beauty in the imperfections of the journey.
What is something you wish you'd have known before becoming a parent?
One thing I wish I’d known before becoming a parent is just how much beauty lies in embracing the messiness of motherhood. I went into it thinking I could somehow “get it right,” that if I read enough, prepared enough, and tried hard enough, I’d be able to navigate motherhood smoothly. But the reality is, no amount of preparation can fully equip you for the beautifully chaotic journey of raising children.
I’ve learned that motherhood is inherently imperfect and unpredictable. There will be days when the house is messy, plans unravel, and emotions run high—but within those moments are often the ones that hold the most connection, the deepest laughter, and the truest expressions of love. I wish I had known that the messiness wasn’t something to fix or avoid but something to lean into. Those unplanned moments, the challenges, and even the tears are all part of what makes motherhood so meaningful.
Share a parenting tip
It’s so easy to fall into the habit of putting everyone else first as a mom. Before you know it, your days are filled with everyone else’s to-do lists, and somewhere along the way, your own needs get left behind. But this is a sure path to burnout and feeling like you’re stuck in survival mode—trust me, I know!
During the early part of my parenting journey, I found myself feeling depleted, overwhelmed, and often lost in motherhood. I had always wanted to be a mom, but constantly putting myself last wasn’t helping me show up the way I wanted to. I started to wonder if maybe things didn’t have to be this way. Could motherhood be different? Could I feel more fulfilled, more joyful, and actually enjoy this precious season of life?
So, I began paying closer attention to what helped me feel good. I noticed that when I did something kind for myself, even something small, I felt lighter. When I took just a few moments to care for myself, I found these little pockets of calm within the chaos of motherhood. And that changed everything. I realized that I didn’t have to choose between caring for my family and caring for myself. In fact, caring for myself was a gift I could give my family.
Self-care became a way of coming home to myself, a process of rediscovering who I am outside of the role of “mom.” I came to see that self care goes so much deeper than spa days or workouts—it’s about nourishing the parts of ourselves that often get pushed aside.
Of course, there are still days when I don’t feel perfectly calm or confident. There are still moments when mom guilt sneaks in. But that, too, has been part of my growth. I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel however you’re feeling. Life is messy and imperfect, and paying attention to our feelings allows us to care for ourselves in the moment.
So remember that you matter, too. Your well-being is essential, and when you take time to nurture yourself, you’re not just filling your cup—you’re enriching the lives of everyone around you.
Share a parenting truth:
A parenting truth I’ve come to deeply appreciate is this: No two children are the same, and no two families are the same. Each child is their own person with unique needs, quirks, and ways of seeing the world. Each family has its own rhythm, values, and journey. It’s so easy to slip into comparison, to look at what other families are doing, or to judge ourselves against some idealized standard of “perfect” parenting. But this only leads to self-doubt and guilt, keeping us from fully embracing and celebrating our own path.
Trusting in your unique journey as a parent allows you to be fully present for your children and to appreciate the family you’re building. It’s okay to be different; it’s okay if things don’t look like they do for others.
If you find yourself in the comparison or self-judgment trap, remember that you are exactly where you need to be on your journey. Lean into the uniqueness of your family, and let go of the pressure to measure up to anyone else.
Your path, with all its twists and turns, is yours to embrace and enjoy, Love.
One thing parents should do more of is...
Lean into your intuition. In a world full of advice, opinions, and expert tips, it’s easy to feel like there’s always something we “should” be doing differently. But there’s a quiet wisdom within each of us that often knows exactly what our children need, and tapping into that intuition can be one of the most powerful tools we have as parents.
Our intuition guides us in ways that no book or outside advice can. It nudges us when something feels off, it reassures us when we’re on the right path, and it helps us make choices that align with our family’s unique needs and values.
One thing parents should do less of is...
One thing I’ve learned to do less of is live my life by the “shoulds” of others. Parenting is already a complex and deeply personal journey, yet we’re often surrounded by well-meaning advice and societal expectations that dictate how we "should" raise our children, how we "should" balance work and family, or even how we "should" feel about our role as parents. But following these “shoulds” can leave us feeling drained, disconnected, and questioning our own instincts.
When we let go of the pressure to live up to others’ expectations, we make room to listen to what truly feels right for our own families. We free ourselves to parent in ways that align with our values, to make choices that reflect our unique needs, and to connect with our children authentically.
So, if you find yourself weighed down by the “shoulds” of others, take a step back and ask yourself...what feels right for you? Trust that your path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
Your favourite parenting quote/ phrase/ mantra is..
It’s okay to slow down and do more of what lights me up!
A piece of advice you'd give to your younger self...
If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be this: no matter what you’re going through, give yourself lots of grace. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. It will stretch you in ways you never expected, challenge you to grow, and sometimes leave you feeling like you’re falling short. But know this—*you are enough,* even on the hard days.
There will be times when things feel messy and imperfect, and it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Growth doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a gradual journey that takes patience and courage. Every time you show up, even when it’s hard, you’re choosing love, resilience, and strength.
So, be gentle with yourself. You don’t need to be perfect, and you don’t need to have all the answers. Trust that you’re learning and growing with each step. Give yourself permission to grow at your own pace, knowing that showing up with love and intention is more than enough.
A piece of advice you'd give to your younger self...
The best thing my children have ever done for me is give me those simple, heartfelt moments of pure love. There’s nothing quite like when they wrap their little arms around me in a warm, unexpected embrace, or when they look me in the eyes with a smile and say, “I love you.” It’s as if time stands still in those moments—my heart melts, and every worry or challenge seems to fade away.
When it all gets a bit much, how do you bring yourself back to you? What practices do you have in place on those tough days?
When everything feels overwhelming and I’m pulled in too many directions, my go-to practice is the "sacred pause." It’s a simple but powerful way to re-center and come back to myself. I place my hand over my heart, close my eyes, and take a long, deep breath, allowing myself to be fully present in that moment. Then I gently ask, “What do I need right now?” Sometimes the answer is rest, sometimes it’s a moment of quiet, and other times it’s just a reminder to show myself compassion.
This small act of connection feels like giving myself a hug when I need it most. It reminds me to be gentle with myself and that it’s okay to pause, breathe, and recalibrate before moving forward. On particularly tough days, I might also step outside for a few moments in nature, journal my thoughts, or even have a short meditation session to clear my mind.
If you try the sacred pause, I’d love to hear how it feels for you. It’s such a beautiful way to reconnect with yourself and find calm in the chaos. Remember, it’s okay to take a moment just for you—you deserve that care just as much as anyone else.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
No matter where you are on your journey know that…
you’re right where you need to be
you’re more than enough
and you are SO loved
Where can people find you online?
Head over to soulcaremom.com to explore all of the incredible resources that will help you step out of survival mode and truly enjoy the journey of motherhood.
And be sure to subscribe to my Substack, Soul Care Mom with Catherine Wilde, soulcaremom.substack.com, where we’ll explore mastering the art of slow living while navigating the wild ride of motherhood, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship.
How can people start working with you?
I have a gift for you, Love!! This simple self care ritual is my favorite way to start the day. The best part is you can do it before you even get out of bed in the morning, so you can fill your cup and feel your best, even on your busiest days.
Get your gift by going to soulcaremom.com/kickstart
If you’d like a deeper level of support, join us inside the transformational coaching program, Vibrant Mom Life. Get all the details at soulcaremom.com/vibrant
Here’s what moms are saying:
“Before working with Catherine, I was easily burned out, and I was really hard on myself. After working with Catherine, I feel seen and heard and more self aware than ever. It's easier for me to be more accepting and less critical of myself and actually lean in and listen. This program has helped me be more loving and more present and show up better for myself and for the other people in my life. If you're looking for someone to show up and hold space for you and inspire you to hold space for yourself I highly recommend Catherine. You won't be disappointed!” -Tina W.
“Actually seeing my inner self has been such a pivotal thing for me! The way Catherine encourages us to be easy on ourselves and not to judge our own process is just amazing! It is worth every penny, every minute, and every ounce of your time!! It has transformed my self love and I am seeing results in my family life now as well!! This community is a gold mine!!” -Chelsea R.
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this episode of The Campfire Interview Series. Please feel free to share this post by clicking the button below…
Until next time,
Take part in the series!
I’d really love to bring in other people to chat about their own personal experiences with parenting, neurodiversity, mental health, being a creative business owner, and slow living, or a mix of these (parenting neurodivergent children or creativity to help with your mental health, etc.). If you have a story to share about any of those, I’d love to speak to you about collaborating.
Below you’ll find some links to some very quick forms to fill out if you’d like to collaborate in an interview style, or, alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest post, then please DM me or reach out via email (findingsimpleandcalm@substack.com) to chat further.
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