Episodes
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Today, we’re diving into a challenge so many of us face as parents during the holidays: keeping our kids—and ourselves—grounded in values amidst the whirlwind of wish lists, big feelings, and high expectations. The holiday season often amplifies emotions, from the excitement of giving and receiving to the inevitable moments of disappointment or overwhelm. In this episode, we’ll explore why kids are naturally drawn to materialism during this time and how we can gently guide them toward gratitude and connection. We’ll share practical strategies for preparing kids to give and receive gifts gracefully, fostering resilience in the face of unmet expectations, and navigating those tricky moments with empathy and understanding. Just as importantly, we’ll focus on you—how to manage your own stress, let go of perfection, and stay centered when the holidays don’t go exactly as planned. This is a conversation about finding balance, embracing imperfection, and creating a season filled with meaning for your family.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Do you feel like you’re doing it alone during the holidays, or maybe even feel like you fight more during what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year? Well, you’re not alone. The holidays often bring stress that weighs heavily on our closest relationships. But we’re here today to get ahead of that.
There are actually some things you can do to stay connected to your partner so you can approach the holidays as a team. In this episode, you'll get some great ideas for staying close even amidst the chaos.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Missing episodes?
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The holidays are coming and it's time to prepare your game plan. This Encore episode will help you focus on what to say yes to and what to let go of this holiday season so you can create space for joy, connection, and a season that truly aligns with your values. We're looking at our holiday to-do lists, all of the expectations, the things that are present that kind of overwhelm us and cause us to feel that stress. So, if you listened to this episode already last year, I want to invite you to listen again. The more we're familiar with these ideas, the more we will feel permission to design the holidays to meet OUR goals. And if this is your first time, I think you're going to really enjoy the freedom that I'm suggesting you get to have in how you want your holidays to look.
I've created a little cheat sheet that you can get in the show notes and maybe put on your fridge. It walks through the steps of lowering your stress and reclaiming your power during this time of year. You can get that on my website LeighGermann.com under episode 71. Happy Holidays!
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
One of the obstacles to gratitude is being too busy- and as moms- that is our universal problem. We are too busy to do the things for ourselves that we so desperately need. Which is why in today's episode, we combine two things that you need: a walk outside and some more gratitude goodness, put together in a walking meditation focused on gratitude
A walking meditation isn’t necessarily about relaxing your body, although you might find that it happens naturally. It’s about retraining your brain. You see, our minds have a natural instinct to focus on problems or what’s missing.
This meditation is designed to help you shift that focus. We’re going to create and strengthen a new path in your mind—one that leads to gratitude, positivity, and hope. Think of it like walking a new trail through a forest. At first, the trail might feel overgrown and unfamiliar, but the more you walk it, the clearer and easier it becomes. And over time, your brain begins to automate that path, naturally choosing gratitude and optimism more often than negativity.So, what I hope you will do this week, is find time to go on a walk with me and practice putting your attention on things that help you- making a stronger and clearer path for peace and appreciation in your brain—step by step.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Even though we often hear about the benefits of being grateful, Did you know that there are real obstacles that can stop us—and our kids—from fully experiencing it. Today, we’ll unpack those obstacles and explore how to overcome them, so gratitude becomes more natural and fulfilling part of our daily lives.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Today we’re diving into one of the most challenging aspects of parenting: dealing with the moments when we lose our cool.
We’re going to talk about why we yell, what it means, and most importantly, how to handle it afterward.
This episode is going to dig into the psychology behind yelling, its effects on both us and our kids, and strategies to keep those stressful moments from taking over. By the end of this episode, I hope you’ll feel empowered to approach these challenges with a new perspective, practical tools, and maybe a little more self-compassion.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Today, we’re tackling one of the toughest challenges every parent faces: when our kids' behavior pushes us to our limits.
Those moments can catch us off guard, and our first instinct might be to correct or even control the behavior. But what if we could approach these situations with a new perspective? Sometimes, frustration arises not just from what our kids are doing, but from our expectations of what they should be doing. In this episode, we’re exploring how adjusting our expectations and expanding our "window of acceptability" can make it easier to respond calmly and parent the way we truly desire.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Today, we’re answering a question from a mom about how to talk with her kids and stay connected to them on a deeper level. We look at how to work with our own worries and fears, and use specific skills to help our kids feel secure enough to tell us what’s on their minds. Whether you're navigating tough conversations or looking to improve your everyday interactions, I know these insights will help you feel more confident in connecting with your kids
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Today, we dive into a topic every mom knows all too well: overwhelm. From the endless to-do lists to the emotional load we carry, feeling stretched too thin is a common experience. But how do we recognize when we’re overwhelmed, and more importantly, what can we do about it? In today's episode we explore the signs of overwhelm, the hidden contributors that creep into our lives, and practical steps to regain control. You don’t have to do it all—let’s talk about how you can lighten the load, delegate, and find your power again.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Have you heard that bedtime is one of the most important times of the day for kids? It’s a prime opportunity for connection between parents and children. Research shows that children are more likely to open up and share their thoughts and feelings when they're winding down, making bedtime a great moment for strengthening emotional bonds. However, as many of us know all too well, bedtime can also be one of the most challenging parts of the day for families.
Between exhaustion, power struggles, and kids pushing boundaries, it can quickly turn into a stressful experience. In this episode, we're going to explore how we can use a couple of small ideas to turn this tricky time into a time of connection that feels good to you.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Do you ever wonder how to wrap your kids up tight with your love? I think this is the goal of every parent—to have our kids feel the security of our connection, not just in the big moments, but in the little everyday rhythms that fill their lives. We all want our children to feel safe, valued, and deeply loved. But how do we create that sense of security when life is so full of distractions and responsibilities?
One of the most powerful ways to make that connection stick is through family rituals. Now, I’m not just talking about routines or schedules, but meaningful rituals that infuse heart into the ordinary moments of family life. These are the things that make your home feel like a place of warmth and belonging, the moments your kids will look back on and feel grounded by, no matter where life takes them.
In today’s episode, we’re going to dive into how creating family rituals can be your secret superpower for leading your family with love and intention.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Today, we’re diving into a topic that every parent can relate to—those moments when you find yourself reacting to your kids in ways that you wish you hadn’t. You know the ones: when the cereal spills, tempers flare, and you suddenly hear yourself snapping in a way that doesn't quite match the loving parent you strive to be. But what if there was a way to take control of those reactions, to respond in a way that aligns with your values and the kind of parent you want to be? That’s what we’re talking about today: the difference between bottom-up and top-down responses. These are the two ways our brains handle the chaos of parenting—and understanding them could be the key to more calm, more connection, and fewer regrets. In this episode, we’ll break down what it means to respond from the bottom up versus the top down, how to recognize when you’re in each mode, and—most importantly—how to train yourself to switch gears and even collaborate with yourself when you need it most. Whether you’re knee-deep in the morning rush or navigating the emotional rollercoaster of toddlerhood, these insights will help you steer the ship with more intention and less stress.
So, let’s get started on this journey to more mindful parenting and discover how to respond to life’s challenges with the thoughtfulness and grace we all aspire to—at least most of the time!"
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Ever wondered how to stay energized and resilient amidst the chaos of busy summer months or big life changes? Join us for an empowering episode where we uncover the secrets to recharging your energy bank, especially for moms navigating the whirlwind of family life. Through personal stories and practical tips, you'll learn how to identify and integrate small yet impactful moments of self-care into your daily routine, ensuring you're always ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Discover how playful interactions can not only reduce your stress but also strengthen the bonds within your family, making those hectic days a little more manageable and a lot more joyful.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Digital usage has snuck up on us. . It's up to us to understand what the landscape is right now in our digital world and it keeps changing and it's up to us to prepare our kids to know how to handle that changing landscape.
Today I'm starting with your most powerful tool, and that's you, because, like anything in life, your kids are going to be most influenced by you, by your daily example, by your beliefs and values and by your conversations with them. One of the biggest problems I think we have with our devices is the separation between what we do and what we want our children to do, and that concept of being and doing what we want our kids to be and do. That's actually the core of what we are all about here at Leadership Parenting. We are working to be resilient ourselves so we can teach our kids how to do it, and they are going to learn the most by just watching us day in and day out, how we handle our emotions, how we take care of ourselves, how we treat others. They learn to do these things by observing us doing them. Managing the electronic and digital world is absolutely no different. The first step in helping our kids have a healthy relationship with technology comes from how WE create a healthy relationship with technology.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Can stress actually be your body's way of telling you that everything is functioning as it should? In this episode, we explore the stress cycle and the dire consequences of burnout. By recognizing the natural on-and-off pattern of stress and allowing time for recuperation, we can protect ourselves from severe health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and anxiety. Parenting presents its own unique set of stressors, often making the idea of a perfectly calm household seem like a distant dream. But, there's hope. We delve into practical strategies for managing stress within parenting roles, emphasizing the importance of accepting unavoidable stressors, setting boundaries, and aligning expectations with reality. Listen in and equip yourself with the tools to better manage stress for you and your family.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Join me as we tackle the challenges of parenting when values between a parent and child seem worlds apart. In this episode, we explore a mother's struggle with her need for order and calm contrasted with her nine-year-old son's preference for play and silliness. We dive into the importance of understanding children's developmental needs for exploration and noise, and how parents can stretch their perspectives to accommodate these differences. We'll provide insights into bridging the gap between a parent's need for calm and a child's need for fun, helping to foster connection and harmony within the family.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
When we learn about ourselves and HOW to work with ourselves, we're empowering ourselves to be able to show up and be strong, and I don't mean strong like we don't feel the impact of the hard things, but that we've got this core strength internally to handle the challenges no matter what life throws us. This is resilience! In today's episode we celebrate the one year anniversary of Leadership Parenting by reviewing the top few things that help us become resilient. It's a quick review but one that can help us remember how far we have come in learning these concepts! By regularly revisiting resilience concepts, we can train our brains to adopt a resilient mindset, leading to a life filled with confidence and joy. Join me for an insightful conversation on building resilience and discovering joy amidst life's unpredictable journey.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
We all experience automatic negative thoughts. They come really without our choice, and they can also make our life feel really heavy and hard when we're worrying about the future or unforgiving of mistakes or maybe even thinking of the worst things that could happen in our life. Negative thoughts tend to become habitual thinking and come so fast into our heads that we're totally at their mercy. One of the ways to deal with this is to create alternative thoughts that give us more possibility and that match more of how we want to think. This is what affirmations do, they counter detrimental thoughts with empowering truths about ourselves,
In this episode, I show you how to draft affirmations that are not mere platitudes but reflections of your deepest strengths. Whether you're affirming "I am safe" or celebrating that "There is more love in my life than fear," you can cultivate a practice of affirmations that mirror the support you'd give to a cherished friend! Join me as we talk about affirmation so we can think better and feel better!
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
In this episode, we delve into the powerful role that automated negative thoughts (ANTs) play in shaping our mental health and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how ANTs can trigger detrimental emotional reactions.
We also look at practical techniques to help us work with our thoughts. These strategies are designed to combat negative emotional responses and foster a resilient, positive mental atmosphere. By mastering these techniques, you can develop the skills to navigate the landscape of your mind more effectively, learning how to quiet negative thought patterns and enhance your overall mental health.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com -
Ever found yourself in the throes of frustration, fists clenched, and patience worn thin? We've all been there, and in this episode, I pull back the curtain on the elusive art of frustration tolerance. It's not just about biting your tongue or counting to ten; it's a journey through the emotional wilderness that teaches us resilience, patience, and adaptability. Patience isn't just a virtue—it's a skill, and one that's particularly tested in the realm of parenting. In this episode, we tackle the herculean task of aligning our expectations with the ever-changing developmental stages of our children. By planning for those car seat battles or the painstakingly slow shoe-tying sessions, we're not just teaching our kids; we're learning patience ourselves. By challenging our assumptions and working with our expectations, we can model better behavior for our children, making for a more resilient and joyful experience in our families.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com - Show more
