Mommy's Not an Octopus: Mental Load 101 for Kids

Every mom knows what it feels like to juggle so many things at once that two arms hardly seem enough. But trying to do it all can take a toll. So, what can help moms feel seen and supported?

In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché chats with Emily Busby, author of Mommy’s Not an Octopus, a children’s book that teaches kids that moms can’t do it all.

The book grew out of an ordinary family moment: a hectic dinner party where Emily was juggling several things at once. When her kids started calling out requests, her husband told them, “Give your mom a second. She’s not an octopus.” Just like that, an idea and a new Busby family saying were born.

As a college athlete, Emily became used to doing it all: studying, practicing, and competing. However, she realized that bringing the same mindset to motherhood led to burnout and anxiety.

One of the book’s most powerful lessons is that kids can help their moms, and that helping can become something positive, like a game or an activity to do together. Young children may take a while to learn tasks such as unloading the dishwasher or folding clothes, but teaching them to pitch in gives them valuable, foundational skills while helping moms manage the day-to-day load.

Like all moms, Emily sometimes needs a moment to herself to catch her breath during a busy day. Mommy’s Not an Octopus encourages kids to give Mom the space to pause and recharge. After all, moms may have unlimited love, but they don’t have unlimited energy.

Episode Highlights

01:00 – Why Emily wrote Mommy’s Not an Octopus.

02:28 – What the book is about.

04:16 – How Emily’s athletic training played a role in her approach to motherhood.

08:08 – How boundaries are discussed in the book.

11:02 – How the book has changed Emily’s kids.