9: Navigating Cancel Culture as a Conscious Mother
Introduction: How to Stay Grounded, Express Yourself Authentically, and Model Respectful Dialogue
Cancel culture, a term once tied to public accountability, has evolved into a polarizing force—especially in online communities. For mothers navigating not only their own self-expression but also raising emotionally resilient children, understanding how to show up authentically amidst cancel culture is more relevant than ever.
This blog post—adapted from Episode 9 of The Wand(HER)wild podcast—offers practical insights and reflection points for conscious mothers navigating social media, community spaces, and family dynamics in an era of strong opinions and digital noise.
What Is Cancel Culture and Why It Matters for Mothers
Cancel culture refers to the widespread practice of withdrawing support—whether socially or professionally—from a person or group due to expressed opinions, actions, or affiliations deemed problematic. While originally tied to accountability and justice, cancel culture can often create division, fear, and miscommunication.
For mothers—who are raising the next generation, leading in their communities, or building online platforms—the effects of cancel culture are deeply personal. Fear of saying the "wrong thing" can silence authentic voices, creative expression, and important conversations.
Key Challenges Mothers Face in Cancel Culture
Fear of Judgment: Many mothers feel hesitant to share parenting choices, spiritual beliefs, or political opinions.
Social Rejection: A single comment or post may result in being unfollowed, criticized, or distanced from peer groups.
Pressure to People-Please: Mothers may soften or suppress their voice to avoid confrontation or conflict.
Impact on Parenting: Children learn communication through modeled behavior—how we respond to conflict, express opinions, and hold space for difference matters.
5 ways to Navigate Cancel Culture Mindfully as a Mother
1. Lead With Curiosity, Not Reactivity
When you encounter an opposing opinion, ask: Why might this person feel this way? Instead of defaulting to defensiveness, seek to understand the context behind their viewpoint. This not only reduces emotional activation but also models healthy discourse for children.
2. Hold Dual Truths
It is possible to feel strongly about your own beliefs and still honor someone else's journey. Just as we want our voice respected, we can practice respecting others—even when we disagree.
3. Recognize Triggers as Teachers
When an opinion or post makes you uncomfortable, pause and reflect. Is there a deeper value being challenged? Is this discomfort pointing to an area of healing or growth?
4. Use Digital Boundaries Strategically
Unfollow or mute accounts that genuinely don’t align with your values, but do so from a place of clarity—not reactivity. Avoid contributing to online shaming, and remember that there's a human behind the screen.
5. Cultivate In-Person Conversations
Meaningful dialogue is more likely to happen face-to-face. Whether in your home, at a mom circle, or within a retreat community, prioritizing real-time communication can reduce misinterpretation and deepen connection.
Parenting Through Cancel Culture: What Are We Teaching?
How we engage with cancel culture as mothers directly shapes our children’s understanding of emotional resilience, empathy, and respectful disagreement. Instead of modeling binary thinking ("right" vs. "wrong"), we can:
Show children how to stay calm in disagreement
Encourage curiosity about different perspectives
Normalize the idea that change, growth, and contradiction are part of the human experience
Reassure them that identity is multi-dimensional and evolving
As one host shared, “I want my kids to feel safe to express themselves fully—even if it makes someone uncomfortable.” That permission starts with us.
Social Media Tips for Mothers During Emotionally Charged Times
Limit Consumption: Take intentional breaks to reduce overwhelm.
Ground Before Posting: Ask yourself, “Am I sharing from a reactive place or a grounded truth?”
Unfollow Without Shame: Quiet the noise in your feed if it’s not supportive of your values—but without attacking the creator.
Connect Offline: Not every disagreement needs to happen online. Personal conversations often offer more nuance and connection.
Navigating Family Conversations During the Holidays
Family gatherings can surface political, religious, or lifestyle-based differences. Here’s how to stay rooted:
Stay Present: Focus on shared values and memories.
Take Breaks: Excuse yourself for a moment of breath or quiet if conversations escalate.
Avoid the Trap of Winning: Seek connection, not conversion.
Name the Intention: “I care about our relationship more than this disagreement.”
What the Wand(HER)Wild Community Is Saying
Inside the Wand(HER)wild community, this topic sparked thoughtful reflection. Mothers expressed fears about being misunderstood, but also a desire to lead with heart-centered authenticity.
Together, we're redefining what it means to hold space for nuanced conversations. Our goal is not to agree on everything—but to stay connected through it all.
Final Thoughts
A self-love revival isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering who you’ve always been. Beneath the external roles and changing body is a wild, intuitive, resilient mother who deserves reverence.
By embracing intentional movement, practicing mindful parenting, and speaking to yourself with compassion, you return home to your body and soul. Let your journey be messy. Let it be nonlinear. But let it begin.
Because when you choose to love yourself loudly, you give your children permission to do the same.
A Call to Mothers Seeking More
If this conversation resonates with you, we invite you to become part of the Wand(HER)wild community—a space where we explore self-development and mindful motherhood together.
Join the Movement
If this story resonates with you, we invite you to explore more. Visit our free resources, upcoming digital events, in person family retreats, and follow us on Substack or follow us on Instagram for conversations on self-healing and intentional living. Let’s walk this path together.
