Kat Wyeth on Redefining Success, Self-Care, and Good Enough Parenting

Can you tell us a little about you and your family:

Husband Josh and my daughter Delilah (oh, and my firstborn — my furbaby Sammy, a very cheeky golden retriever).

Adjusting to motherhood..

Learning to let go of the idea I had of what being a “good mum” is. I’ve learnt to surrender to imperfect parenting, as well as having grace for this new version of myself. I very much allow myself to not have it all figured out — and that’s OK.

How do you manage the juggle when it comes to trying to do it all?

I don’t subscribe to the idea of doing it all — I think that just sets mothers up to fail and feel disappointment because it’s impossible to do it all in a healthy, sustainable, and nurturing way.

I believe life is a series of trade-offs, and some seasons require different priorities — and that’s OK.

There might be times you feel really present with your child or children, and then times where work or life takes priority — and that’s so healthy and normal.

For me, that has helped alleviate the chronic mum guilt of feeling like I’m never doing enough. If I’m having a busy day where work takes priority, I’ll always put aside at least an hour at night to be with her. And if she needs more from me in other seasons, then I make sure I’m flexible in accommodating her needs.

It’s a trade-off, and I’ve become comfortable with that. I know that so long as she is loved, I respond to her when she needs, I delight in her, and I am a “good enough” mum — that’s what’s important.

The best thing about motherhood?

Being a mother is single-handedly the most privileged, joyful, and healing role I have ever taken on. It is an honour to be her mother — watching a little human grow and become this confident, unique, and delightful person is magic.

What surprised you the most when becoming a mum?

How much it would connect me to my inner child. Particularly having a daughter, I felt (and still feel) a really strong connection to little me — and by raising a confident, self-assured, and compassionate child, I am nurturing those same parts in adult me.

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

That the secret to being a content and present mother — and raising content and present children — is actually counterintuitive to what we’re taught. It’s by taking time away from mothering and parenting and pouring energy into yourself so you can fill your kids’ cups up too. That’s not selfish — that’s actually the secret to secure children and parenting.

By modelling healthy self-care, you show your children how to cope with stress, so when they face challenges, they know it’s important to take time for themselves too.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself or others?

That it’s OK to take time to figure it out — this is your first time being a mum too. You’re allowed to pause, try and fail, and say no when something doesn’t feel good for you.

Any tips to manage the day-to-day juggle?

Time management helps, as well as learning what my glass balls are (essentials) vs. my plastic balls (tasks or pressures I can drop if needed).

My house is not as clean as it could be, and I am probably way behind in washing or texting friends — but that means I’ve had time with my daughter or for myself, and that’s more important. This period won’t last forever, so I’m surrendering to life outside of mothering and work looking a little messy.

How do you manage your time to fit in career, being a mum, relationship and time for you?

I’m lucky to work part-time, but I still run three businesses — so I’ve become really comfortable letting go of urgency and not needing to reply to emails straight away (auto-replies are helpful to set expectations).

Setting realistic timelines and acknowledging I can’t do it all at the same time has been key. Different weeks need different priorities from me.

I’m lucky to have a wonderful business partner and best friend, Aimee, who is in this ride with me. She’s so supportive and understanding, so when I need to drop the ball, she can pick it up and vice versa.

I’ve also had to become comfortable disappointing people — saying no to projects, new clients, responsibilities outside of work, even family or social events. By saying no to those things, I’m saying yes to alignment, time with my family, and time for myself — and at the moment, that’s more important to me.

Also, putting time in my calendar for exercise, early marks, and time for myself as a non-negotiable is really helpful.

Who is in your village?

My husband Josh is amazing. I’m lucky to have my mum — she’s just incredible. Aimee is obviously such an important part of my village, being part of both my personal and work life — she gets it. And my circle of friends, daycare, and extended family are all part of my village too.

Latest brand discovery?

I love the brand Hansen & Gretel lately — they’re gorgeous. Also, Miimi and Jiinda is an Indigenous-owned brand with the most luxurious, beautiful prints!

Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?

David Jones or The Iconic.

A does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?

It means honouring the season that you’re in. Each season may bring different needs health-wise. Postpartum, all I yearned for was gentle movement like walking and Pilates, whereas before, I was into more high-intensity exercise. It was an adjustment, but learning to move with my body and paying attention to what you’re needing and craving is really helpful.

How do you keep your body moving?

I do Pilates twice a week, and I’m slowly starting to get back into running and the gym again.

Your top tips for living a healthy lifestyle?

• Honour the season you’re in
• Take the pressure off — every week doesn’t have to look the same health-wise
• Slow down how fast you walk
• Focus on nervous system regulation
• Try not to look at your phone in the first hour after waking

Do you have any non-negotiables?

Sleep is so important, sunscreen, drinking enough water, and 20 minutes of movement a day.

What does “balance” mean to you?

I think perfect balance is a bit of a myth. A healthy and realistic balance means acknowledging every week is going to look different — and that’s OK.

Being flexible and adaptable is important. The need for rigidity and strict schedules can be detrimental to our mental health — healthy balance is having routines to anchor us and priorities to guide us, but also allowing flexibility when things change.

It also means allowing yourself to enjoy life — savour the delicious food, drink the margarita, enjoy the gelato — because often, stressing about it is more detrimental than the thing itself.

What inspired you to start The Psychology Sisters podcast?

I was commuting long distances to work at the time, and I struggled to find psychology-based podcasts that were digestible and also had clinical, evidence-based backing. So I texted Aimee one day and asked if she’d want to start a podcast with me — and the rest is history!

What is the best thing about having the podcast?

It’s actually been really helpful for our own professional development — because the best way to learn is to teach! Also, getting to do something fun and interesting with your best friend every other week is so wholesome. Aimee teaches me a lot too — I always love hearing her wisdom.

What is the most challenging thing about having the podcast?

Fitting it into schedules and coming up with exciting content. We’ve noticed a shift towards more short-form content due to the attention economy, so maintaining interest in a changing world is tricky. Psychology is also quite deep and complex, and audiences often want something easy to listen to due to the heaviness.

What inspired you to become a psychologist?

I’ve always been curious about how things work and how people think, feel, and behave — essentially, how they came to be “them.”

How did you end up on this venture with Aimee?

Aimee and I went to high school together! But we were in different grades, so we didn’t get really close until after I got back from a venture overseas and we reconnected — and the rest is history.

Do you have any exciting projects or things you’re working on at The Psychology Sisters podcast you can share?

We’re always working on exciting projects, but next year a goal we have is to release some incredible resources for friends, couples, and families wanting to connect on a deeper level with each other — as well as a psychology-inspired journal.

Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to start a podcast?

Make it realistic, sustainable, and make sure you’re passionate about it! Authenticity is king in the podcast world.

Learn more about The Psychology Sisters Podcast by clicking here.