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.

13:05 – People-pleasing and boundaries.

15:58 – Ways to involve kids in day-to-day activities.

18:01 – Emily’s final thoughts.

About the Guest: Emily Busby
Emily Busby is a mom of two adventurous girls, a wife, a corporate professional, and the owner of EJL Designs, her creative small business. One evening, amid the usual dinnertime bustle of clanging dishes, questions from every direction, and a little chaos, her husband exclaimed, “Mommy is not an octopus!” Her oldest burst into laughter, and just like that, the idea for the book was born. Emily hopes Mommy’s Not an Octopus brings smiles to busy families everywhere and reminds parents that doing their best is more than enough, even without eight arms.

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Emily Busby
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About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow

Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

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Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm