How do we handle those intense moments with our kids when their behavior is way outside of what we find acceptable?

Maybe it’s a meltdown, name-calling, or your child flat-out ignoring you. In these moments, it’s natural to want the behavior to stop. Our instincts kick in, and we want to teach, train, or maybe even hand out a consequence right away. But today, we’re going to talk about something powerful we can do before all that—validate our child’s feelings.

I know this can feel hard, especially when emotions are high. But when we take the time to see things through our child’s eyes, something incredible happens. We connect with them on a deeper level, and that connection opens the door to learning, growth, and even better behavior.

In this episode, we’ll explore why validation matters, how it can help us hold on to our kids even as we set boundaries, and how it serves our ultimate goal: raising emotionally healthy and resilient kids.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s talk about what it means to validate your kids—and why it’s one of the greatest tools in your parenting toolkit. 

If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:

https://leighgermann.com

In this episode of Leadership Parenting, we explore a refreshing approach to goal setting that prioritizes what truly matters to YOU. Instead of overwhelming resolutions or rigid plans, we focus on intentional, process-driven goals that align with your unique needs, values, and circumstances. You’ll learn how to reflect on the past year, identify areas of growth, and create sustainable habits for your Body, Heart, and Relationships. This episode offers practical steps, insightful questions, and an encouraging perspective to help you design a resilient, joyful year without the pressure to do it all. Whether you’re a busy mom or simply seeking clarity for the year ahead, this episode is here to inspire and guide you. 🌟🎧

If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:

https://leighgermann.com

Another year has flown by, and it's the perfect time to pause, reflect, and honor the journey we've all taken—both the wins and the challenges. In this episode, we’re diving into how to close out the year with intention, celebrate our efforts (not just accomplishments), and set a foundation of growth and gratitude for ourselves and our families as we enter the new year.

If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:

https://leighgermann.com

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

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