In this episode of Lead Like a Mother, licensed therapist and author Christina Runnels dives into a topic that hits every overloaded working mom: anger and resentment. Christina shares her own story of snapping over small moments, like asking kids to put on shoes and explores why these reactions happen when we’re carrying too much. She breaks down why anger isn’t a character flaw but a signal of overload, and shares three practical scripts to help working moms name it, normalize it, and redirect it, without guilt or pretending everything is fine.

Connect & work with Christina:

• Speaking, workshops, consulting: Hello@christinarunnels.com
• Buy Boldly Both: A Mom's Guide to Balancing Career and Family Without Guilt
• Follow on Facebook

Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction: Why small moments can trigger big reactions
01:01 – Personal Story: The “shoes” moment and early-morning meltdown
04:35 – Understanding Your Anger: Overload, unspoken expectations, and grief
06:53 – Shift 1 – Name It: Stop gaslighting yourself and identify what’s really happening
07:14 – Shift 2 – Normalize It: Recognize that anger is a signal, not a flaw
09:31 – Shift 3 – Redirect It: Use scripts to redirect frustration toward partner, work, or self
11:50 – Practical Scripts: Real examples for partner, work, and yourself
12:29 – Tiny Intentional Moments: How small changes can reduce resentment
13:54 – Free Resource: Working Mom Anger & Resentment Script Sheet
14:18 – Next Episode Teaser: Setting boundaries without guilt

Episode Summary

You snap over something small… and then immediately feel guilty. You think, “What is wrong with me?”

If this sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Christina Runnels, licensed therapist, author of Boldly Both, and fellow high-achieving working mom, explores why working moms experience anger and resentment. She explains that anger is often misdirected—it comes out sideways on the people we feel safest with—and why it’s not a reflection of your character.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why snapping over small things is actually a signal that you’re overloaded
• How to stop the guilt spiral and offer yourself self-compassion
• Three practical scripts to name, normalize, and redirect anger in everyday life
• How to communicate needs to your partner, at work, and to yourself
• Tiny intentional moments that help you release resentment without a major overhaul

Mentioned in this episode

Free Working Mom Anger & Resentment Script Sheet – includes all three scripts and space to write your own version in your own words

Visit www.ChristinaRunnels.com for more support and to connect with Christina!