As moms, we're in charge of everything, and when life gets busy, we can just run out of gas. In today's episode, we're talking about ways to put a little gas in our own tanks. This episode is your permission slip to put yourself at the top of your to-do list. Join me as I unpack the "self-care five plan"—my personal game-changer for infusing self-care into the chaos of motherhood. You'll hear how small, consistent acts of nourishment can keep you from hitting empty and ensure you're not just surviving, but thriving amidst the busy-ness of life. Discover the profound difference a mere five minutes can make when you're consciously refueling your spirit, mind, and body.

We explore practical tips and techniques to seamlessly integrate self-care into our daily routines. From the simplicity of mindfulness and breathwork to the profound impact of connecting with others, nature, or a higher power, these strategies are more than just a respite; they're a lifeline for preventing burnout. 

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

https://leighgermann.com

Ever noticed how your thoughts can sometimes feel like the captain of your ship, steering your emotions and behaviors? It's a universal phenomenon. Negative thoughts, although uncomfortable, are part of our existence, serving as our brain's personal bodyguard. However, it's important to remember that we don't have to believe everything we think. 

This week, I’m taking you on a journey to understand and manage those pesky negative thoughts. We'll be dissecting how they influence our emotions and physical well-being. Spoiler alert: they have a significant impact! But fear not! By distinguishing factual thoughts from distorted negative ones and discussing ways to reframe common negative thought patterns, we'll equip ourselves to sail through even the stormiest waters of the mind.

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

https://leighgermann.com

Do people really have the power to make us miserable? In today's episode, we look  at  the impact expectations have  in our relationships and how our preconceived scripts of how others should behave can lead to disappointment and feelings of being out of control. We discuss the importance of accepting others' differences, setting boundaries and how not to accept harmful behavior from others by setting safety boundaries. Learn how we can break the cycle of negativity by changing our perspective, accepting others as they are, and not taking their actions personally. We can improve our relationships and set boundaries without drama by letting go of our expectations and controlling our happiness. So,  join us on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth as we take back our happiness this holiday season.

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

https://leighgermann.com

In our hectic life, it's easy to get caught up in challenges and stresses, but there's a powerful antidote that can significantly enhance our well-being. This is Gratitude. In today's episode, we're looking at the power that gratitude brings to both our body and our mind. Discover how this simple act can deepen connections with others and enhance our spiritual bond with God. We'll guide you on teaching this practice to children and how to cultivate gratitude as a habitual practice. Ready to harness the power of gratitude and embark on a journey to a more fulfilling life?

This episode promises to equip you with valuable tools to not
only enhance your mental and physical well-being but also strengthen your
relationships and enrich your overall life experiences. If you are ready to
harness the power of gratitude and embark on a journey to a more fulfilling
life, join us to build your gratitude!

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

https://leighgermann.com

Do you feel the burden of creating the perfect holiday experience each year? Does the stress of traditions, expectations, and financial pressures overshadow the joy and love that the holiday season brings? In this episode, we navigate these choppy holiday waters and explore how to manage holiday stress and expectations. 

Join me in this episode, as we consider how to shift our mindset from the 'all or nothing' mentality to a more balanced, content, and joyful holiday focus. We'll talk about setting boundaries, prioritizing experiences over tasks, and finding ways to stay connected and compassionate even in stressful times. From managing expectations to focusing on what truly serves us, we aim to help you design a holiday season that is meaningful, fulfilling, and so much less stressful!

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

https://leighgermann.com

What if you could shape your family culture based on shared values, behaviors, and beliefs? In our conversation, we explore how to teach children values through example and action and how to effectively explain the 'why' behind these principles to our kids.

We look at naming your top 10 values as parents, sharing them with your children, and witnessing how our routines and habits reflect these values. We also explore the role that family rituals and meals play in nurturing connection, stability, and well-being, ultimately crafting a family culture that promotes learning and growth. It's never too late to be more informed, aware, and intentional in our parenting, which can cultivate a family culture based on respect and belonging. Join me as we explore how to create a healthy family culture!

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

https://leighgermann.com

Sleepless nights and distressed babies are a common theme in the parenting journey. But what if we told you, it's possible to teach your child to sleep independently without causing them distress? Welcome to an insightful episode of Leadership Parenting where we share our wisdom on tackling sleep training in an empathetic, effective way. I'll be sharing my personal insights on managing the emotional rollercoaster of transitioning your child to independent sleep. We'll be addressing the crying and protesting that inevitably accompanies sleep training - but we'll also talk about how resilience can empower you to face these challenges with confidence and even joy. The issue of sleep training isn't just about sleep - it's also about maintaining that special attachment with your child. Sleep training methods are myriad and varied, and it's important to choose one that fits your child's developmental stage and your family's unique circumstances. We'll discuss the popular check and console method, which is all about setting loving boundaries while simultaneously providing comfort. Join us on this journey as we learn to navigate the tricky terrain of sleep training with compassion, understanding, and a healthy dose of leadership.

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

https://leighgermann.com

Have you ever been trapped in a cycle of saying 'yes' to everything and putting your own needs on the back burner? We've all been there. 
This episode is all about setting boundaries around how we use our time and energy. Listen in as we explore how to navigate boundaries, evaluate the interactions that drain our energy and time, and learn how to say 'no' even to the things we care about in order to do more of the things that rank higher on our priority list.  Through our discussion, we focus on the art of saying yes first and how it can liberate you from feeling trapped in 'good intentions' and help you create a balance between being mom-centered and c You'll learn how to use two simple questions to sort through decisions and prioritize activities that align most with your values. We'll also discuss methods for holding boundaries even when someone doesn't take 'no' for an answer.

 Learn how to gain clarity, stay connected, and prioritize your needs, because by taking care of yourself, you can better care for both mom and kids!

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

https://leighgermann.com

We've all felt frustrated, withdrawn, and powerless at some point when our expectations aren't met. And this can really affect our relationships and bring us down into depression or ramp us up into anxiety. However, the truth is that our feelings are a result of how we interpret the world around us. We delve into how our expectations of our partners, children, bosses, and friends can often create a sense of powerlessness and frustration, and how we can reclaim our power by taking responsibility for our feelings and expectations. 

We have an inherent freedom and of course, it comes with responsibility, and I think the responsibility is to look at our own expectations and be aware of them and be accountable to them. Where do we have those expectations? Literally everywhere. And once again, expectations aren't bad. We all have them. We're going to have them, no matter what.

It's what we think and believe about what's happening that makes us feel how we do, and this is where we have control, and I know it doesn't feel that way, but I'm hoping to invite you to consider that this is how our feelings come to be. They come from what we think at any given time, and the good news is that we can work with what we are thinking.

So if you want to lower the amount of hurt in your life and get your emotional power back, join us for today’s episode!

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

https://leighgermann.com

Join us for a journey into the world of emotional regulation in parenting as we tackle the common challenge of tantrums and meltdowns in our kids. Listen in as we share practical strategies for managing your child's emotional dysregulation, emphasizing the need to prioritize your own wellness before effectively parenting your children. Get ready to learn how resilience is the key to fostering confidence and joy, both in yourself and your child.

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

https://leighgermann.com