Dear Busy Mom,
There’s something holy about hearing from a mother who’s a few steps ahead of you in the journey—someone who’s lived the long days, held the tiny hands, stood in the school drop-off lines, and slowly, gently learned to let go.
That’s what it felt like sitting down with author and mom of three, Emily P. Freeman, for our Dear Busy Mom interview.
Emily’s motherhood journey spans over two decades. With twin daughters now in their 20s and a son just behind them, she’s been through the early chaos, the quiet in-betweens, and the bittersweet goodbyes of letting her kids grow into themselves. And through it all, she’s gathered wisdom that speaks right into the heart of every mom trying to balance love, identity, and grace.
Here are three takeaways from our conversation—little truths that might just be the next right thing for your day today:
1. You are not responsible for everything
Emily shared something both surprising and liberating: that while our children are deeply loved and incredibly important, their outcomes don’t rest solely on our shoulders.
“I have maybe learned the pain of over-functioning as a mom and the relief of letting my kids live their life.”
Read that again. Relief.
It’s so easy to believe that if we just try harder, read more parenting books, or manage our households perfectly, our kids will turn out “right.” But Emily reminds us: we’re raising humans, not managing projects. And as they grow, they get to make their own decisions. That’s both terrifying and beautiful.
2. You’ll miss the moment you’re in—until it’s gone
Emily remembers one defining moment: walking her twins to a 5th-grade dance. She wasn’t allowed past the door. She waited for them to look back. They didn’t.
“It was the smallest moment when I realized—oh, it’s beginning. Or maybe we’ve already passed the line.”
It’s one of those things we know, but don’t feel until we’re standing in the doorway: the baby days won’t last forever. The mess, the noise, the full arms and fuller hearts—they fade slowly, and then suddenly.
So today, take a breath. See your child. Don’t miss this version of them, even if they’re tantruming in Target or spilling snacks in the car. You’ll miss them sooner than you think.
3. Sometimes, the bravest thing is doing the next right thing
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Emily says there’s one phrase that has carried her through motherhood:
“Just do the next right thing.”
When her twins were babies, she was so exhausted she barely remembers their first year. In hindsight, she wishes someone had said: just do one thing during naptime. Maybe take a nap yourself. Maybe let the laundry wait.
This isn’t a call to give up—it’s permission to let go of perfection.
So whatever kind of day you’re having, maybe today your next right thing is folding one load of laundry. Or finally drinking your coffee while it’s still hot. Or sitting in the quiet for five whole minutes without checking your phone.
Maybe it’s forgiving yourself for yelling this morning. Or choosing rest tonight instead of catching up.
The point isn’t to get everything done—it’s to move forward with grace, one small thing at a time.
We’re so grateful to share this conversation with Emily, who has offered gentle truths for busy moms everywhere. If you’re craving more of her wisdom, check out our full video interview or her beautiful book, How to Walk Into a Room—a guide for navigating change with peace and permission.
Because sometimes, just hearing someone say, “you’re allowed to change,” is the most encouraging thing in the world.
From one busy mom to another… You’ve got this!
XO, The momAgenda
