5 Common Mistakes Singing Moms Make (and How to Fix Them)

busy-moms returning-singers singing-mistakes vocal-health vocal-technique Jun 15, 2025

Coming back to singing after a break is exciting… but it’s also easy to slip into habits that wear down your voice or your confidence. If you’ve said “I used to be able to hit that note!” or “Why does my voice feel tight after only 10 minutes?”—this post is for you.

These aren’t judgment calls—just gentle course-corrections that make your vocal comeback smoother, safer, and way more fun. 💛

1. Skipping Warm-Ups

We get it—you’re busy. But jumping straight into a song without preparing your voice is like trying to sprint without stretching.

Fix it:
Use a 5-minute warm-up from our Vocal Warm-Up Guide or grab the 5-day Vocal Challenge. Lip trills and sirens go a long way.

2. Not Breathing Deep Enough

Shallow “chest breathing” runs out fast and adds tension to your throat. It also makes singing feel like a strain instead of a flow.

Fix it:
Revisit diaphragmatic breathing—hand on belly, sip air in, feel your waist expand. Then practice with a steady 8-count “sss.”

3. Straining for High Notes

If you're pushing your voice higher by “reaching” with your chin or neck muscles, it’s a sign you’re not accessing resonance and breath balance.

Fix it:
Try singing high notes with a lighter touch and more mask resonance (“ng” slides help). Use your mix voice instead of muscling through.

4. Squeezing the Throat

This happens when breath pressure builds up and you try to “force” tone out. It often shows up as a tight jaw or visible neck tension.

Fix it:
Do a straw-phonation exercise or hum through a coffee stirrer straw. The back-pressure helps your folds find balance naturally.

5. Overpracticing

Pushing too hard, especially after time off, leads to fatigue and burnout. Your folds need time to rebuild stamina, just like muscles.

Fix it:
Keep practice sessions to 15–20 minutes max at first. Focus on form, not endurance. Rest is part of vocal growth!

Visual Quick Reference

🖼️ You can download today’s full graphic and checklist in our Resource Hub.

Quick “Mistake Fix” Table

Mistake	Correction
Skipping warm-ups	Start with 5-min lip trills & sirens
Shallow breathing	Use diaphragmatic “sip & hiss” drills
Straining for high notes	Switch to mix voice + mask resonance
Throat tension	Practice straw phonation or humming
Overpracticing	Limit to 20 min/day and rest often

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I warm up?

Ideally, warm up every time you sing—even if it’s just for a few minutes. Consistency helps your vocal folds stay flexible and responsive.

What if my high notes still crack when I sing?

Cracking can happen if your voice isn’t fully warmed up or if you’re using too much pressure. Go back to sirens, lip trills, and straw phonation—those will smooth out your transitions over time.

Can I warm up in the car?

Yes! Humming, sirens, and gentle lip trills are safe to do while driving. Just stay relaxed and avoid pushing your voice too hard.

When should I warm up before singing?

Give yourself 15–30 minutes before a rehearsal or performance. Warming up too close to a performance can make you rush and skip steps—try to give your voice time to settle.

How long should a good vocal warm-up be?

10–15 minutes is ideal for most people. A 5-minute “emergency” version can help if you’re short on time, but consistent longer warm-ups give better results.

Next Steps

Pick one mistake to focus on fixing this week.
Use our Vocal Warm-Up Guide to build better prep habits.
Join the Vocal Refresh Course for technique coaching, personalized fixes, and motivation that fits your mom-schedule. → Learn more