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Transcript

Juggling Mom Guilt and High Expectations

Kristina Kuzmic at the 2023 I Am Mom Summit

At the 2023 I Am Mom Summit, bestselling author and speaker Kristina Kuzmic delivered a refreshingly honest talk about the realities of motherhood—where guilt, comparison, and sky-high expectations often collide. Through heartfelt stories from her own life, Kristina reminded moms that perfection isn’t required, but presence, humor, and love always matter most.

Key Highlights from Kristina’s Talk

1. Kids remember love, not perfection. From a cardboard Christmas tree to magazine-cutout name decorations, Kristina showed that what mattered most to her kids wasn’t fancy things, but feeling loved and seen.

2. Comparison steals joy. Whether it was seeing Pottery Barn-worthy bedrooms or store-bought Halloween costumes, Kristina admitted that comparing herself to other moms only fueled guilt—but her kids never needed “better,” they just needed her.

3. Expectations set us up for guilt. Unrealistic parenting expectations create a cycle of disappointment. Kristina urged moms to lower the bar, laugh more, and stop tying their worth to Pinterest-perfect visions.

4. Show up, even when it’s messy. Whether it was at her son’s school parade or during a Croatian wedding in wartime, Kristina reminded us that joy comes from embracing what is, not what we pictured.

About the Speaker

Kristina Kuzmic is a speaker, comedian, and author of Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still. Known for her humor, authenticity, and encouragement, Kristina has built a global community of moms who find hope and laughter in her words. She is also a mother of three, bringing her own lived experiences to every story she shares.

  • Instagram: @kristinakuzmic

  • Website: www.kristinakuzmic.com

More Resources

  • Follow Kristina on Instagram for daily encouragement and laughs: @kristinakuzmic

  • Learn more about her work, tour dates, and book at: www.kristinakuzmic.com

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