Leadership Parenting- Resilient Moms Raise Resilient Kids

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What if you had a ladder within you-  where every rung represented a level of connection, safety and regulation,  all within your nervous system?
At the top,  you'd feel good and in control,  while at the lower levels, you may feel overwhelmed and dysregulated. In this episode, we dive into the science of understanding your nervous system and how to get back up the ladder when you or your kids are having a hard time. 

Discover the concept of the window of tolerance, which explains why we can have strong reactions to even the most minor incidents, and learn about neuroception, our nervous system's ability to determine whether a situation or person is safe or dangerous. This is especially crucial when it comes to understanding the behavior of children and teenagers as they navigate the world independently. We'll also delve into the fascinating polyvagal theory, which can help us make sense of our emotional states and reactions by understanding its three main branches: the ventral vagal state, sympathetic state, and dorsal vagal state.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of your nervous system and how it affects your emotions and behaviors. You'll also gain invaluable insights into how to better regulate your emotions and build stronger connections with yourself and others. 

Join me as we unravel the mysteries of our nervous system and explore how understanding it can lead to a more confident, resilient, and joyful life.

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

 https://leighgermann.com

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In our fast-paced modern world, it has become increasingly challenging to maintain strong social connections, but the benefits are undeniable. We dive into the advantages of forging these connections, such as improved mental and physical health, a sense of belonging and purpose, and emotional support. We address the epidemic of loneliness, the vicious cycle of isolation it creates, and how connection can help build resilience and enrich our lives.

In this episode, we share tips on building a connection circle, look at the roadblocks to deeper connections, and consider how connection in relationships can be a form of peacemaking. 

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

 https://leighgermann.com

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Do you ever feel that burning resentment as a Mom, like you're not being treated fairly or getting the support you deserve? You're not alone - and acknowledging these feelings without judgment is the first step towards overcoming them. 

In this  episode, we answer two mom's questions about how to navigate resentment and feel better. We dive into the common causes of resentment among Moms, offer practical solutions and tools for navigating resentment and learn  how taking responsibility for our feelings leads to resolution.  Join us as we learn to see resentment as a powerful signpost pointing to what truly matters in our lives. 

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

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We all experience those moments when our feelings threaten to consume us and make us act in ways that don't align with our values. In this episode, we're wrapping up the SAFE series and I discuss how I navigated my own emotional storms by using the SAFE model to help me. We also discuss how we can stay connected to our values, even when faced with big emotions and use self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional regulation to help us through. Listen in to discover how to stay connected to your values so you show up like you want to- and then teach your kids to do the same.

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

 https://leighgermann.com

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In this episode of Leadership Parenting, we discover the secret to navigating emotional storms in your parenting journey by harnessing the power of flexibility in your thinking. With the help of the SAFE model, you'll learn how to tackle the process of untangling fused thoughts and feelings which can help you evaluate your thoughts and develop a more adaptable mindset. By practicing flexibility, you'll be able to recognize when your thoughts aren't serving you and shift towards more intentional responses. 

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

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Are you ready to unlock the superpower of working with your feelings? Join me as we continue our discussion on how to handle big emotions. Discover the importance of identifying and naming your feelings, as well as understanding their intensity to effectively regulate your emotions. By developing a vocabulary around feelings, you'll be better equipped to navigate emotional storms and foster resilience for both yourself and your children. 

In this episode, we also explore the concept of mindfulness and its role in connecting with our emotions. Tune in as we discuss the benefits of observing our feelings without judgment and the tools we can use to work through them. By embracing and managing our feelings, we can cultivate confidence and joy in our lives and teach our children invaluable emotional coping skills. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on acknowledging and working with feelings to feel S.A.F.E.

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

 https://leighgermann.com

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We've all had those mornings where everything seems to spiral out of control and our emotions take over, leaving us feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. In today's episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of our brain and its response to these emotional storms. We discuss the differences between the lower brain - fast, automated, and constantly on the lookout for danger - and the higher brain, which might be slower, but has strengths the lower brain simply can't match. By learning to slow down and activate our higher brain, we can gain control over our emotions in even the most challenging situations.

Moreover, we break down the acronym S.A.F.E. and emphasize the importance of the 'S' - self-awareness and slowing down. By becoming more self-aware and taking a step back from our emotions, we can allow our higher brain to take the wheel and guide us through these overwhelming instances. Learn how to hack your physiological body processes to slow down your emotions and regain control in life. So, sit back, tune in, and discover the power of slowing down in managing your emotions.

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

 https://leighgermann.com

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Have you ever been overwhelmed by some really big feelings and it was hard to feel like you were in control? In today's episode, we're going to talk about what it's like to be in an emotional storm, and why it can feel so hard to get through it. This is the first in a series that will focus on how we can better regulate our emotions where we will learn how to regain control when life's challenges seem overwhelming. In this episode, we explore the concept of resilience and the importance of understanding our own emotions to better regulate them. Learn about the 'Ps - Plan, Prepare, Practice' to face life's storms, both external and internal, and how to normalize emotional dysregulation. 

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

 https://leighgermann.com

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Grieving the loss of a loved one can feel like being trapped underwater, struggling for air. In this Q&A episode, I answer some tender questions from listeners in how to cope with grief.  I share my own experiences with grief, having lost multiple loved ones in a short span of time. Together, we'll explore the stages of grief, the difference between grief and complicated grief, and how we can support our children through these difficult times. By being present, reassuring, and supportive, we can help our kids navigate the painful experience of loss, fostering resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Join me as we share insights and strategies for coping with grief and supporting our loved ones through life's challenges. 

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

 https://leighgermann.com

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In this episode, we dive deep into understanding and working with our internal and external worlds to build resilience, confidence, and joy. We discuss  recognizing the power of our internal world and how the lenses through which we perceive situations impact our emotions and reactions. By practicing self-awareness and mindfulness, we can learn how to work with our emotions and discover a superpower within that can help us steady our world and show up as a leader in our lives and for our kids.  Join me as we learn to connect with our internal world! 

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

 https://leighgermann.com