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Ever wonder why some people can face the same challenge and bounce back faster?
In this episode, we break down the real science of optimism — not the “just think positive” kind, but the kind that changes the way you explain what’s happening in your life. You’ll learn how your explanatory style shapes your resilience, your mood, and even how your kids learn to handle hard things.

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When emotions run high, it’s so easy to get swept into the storm—especially when it’s your child, your teen, or even your partner who’s upset. In this episode, I talk about how to stay grounded and calm when the people around you aren’t. I’ll walk you through how co-regulation really works, how to respond instead of react, and why your calm body is one of the most powerful tools you have to teach emotional safety.

These ideas don’t just apply to parenting—they work in every relationship, because emotional regulation isn’t just a skill for kids, it’s a human skill. I also created a free companion resource, The Calm Connection Sheet, to help you put this into practice. You can grab it through the link in the show notes and learn how to decode emotions, find the right words, and calm both yourself and others when feelings get big.

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Halloween gives us a rare opportunity to explore emotions through play.
In this short and meaningful Leadership Parenting episode, we look at how the thrill of being scared — the racing hearts, the laughter, the pretend monsters — becomes powerful practice for resilience. We’ll talk about why kids love spooky fun, how dressing up helps them experiment with courage and identity, and simple ways to turn Halloween night into a playful exercise in emotional regulation for the whole family. It’s a joyful reminder that sometimes, the best lessons in bravery come wrapped in costumes and candy wrappers.

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Have you ever had a thought so disturbing that you instantly felt fear or shame? Intrusive thoughts can show up out of nowhere—especially when you’re stressed, exhausted, or caring deeply for others—and they can make you question your sanity or goodness. But here’s the truth: these thoughts don’t mean anything about who you are. In this episode, we’ll unpack what intrusive thoughts really are, why your brain produces them, and how to calm your body so they lose their power. You’ll learn gentle, evidence-based ways to meet these thoughts with compassion instead of fear, regain a sense of safety in your body, and remember that you are not your thoughts—you are the steady observer behind them.

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Comparison is sneaky—and in motherhood, it’s everywhere. From social media feeds to the carpool line, it’s so easy to look at what other moms are doing and feel like you’re falling behind. But comparison isn’t just an annoyance; research shows it’s linked to higher stress, depression, and lower satisfaction for moms.

In this episode of Leadership Parenting, I break down the science of why we compare, why moms are especially vulnerable, and how social media has amplified comparison in our daily lives. Then I walk you through my simple three-part method—Edit, Establish, Embrace—that will help you recognize unhealthy comparison, set wise boundaries, and reconnect with your own values. You’ll walk away with practical steps to protect your peace and return to joy.

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Punishment might stop misbehavior in the moment, but it doesn’t help kids learn better choices—and it often chips away at connection. In this episode, we’ll look at a simple formula to help you find the right way of teaching and correcting that works for your family. You’ll also learn three research-backed strategies that offer a better path than punishment or permissiveness: encouraging positive behavior, setting kids up for success, and seeing behavior as communication. These tools make discipline less of a struggle and more of a guide, leading to cooperation, growth, and stronger relationships.

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If you feel like motherhood is wearing you down, you aren’t imagining it. Research shows moms’ mental health has been steadily declining over the past several years—and I know how heavy that can feel in real life. Sleepless nights, constant worry, the endless mental load, and that quiet question in the back of your mind: Am I enough?

But here’s the part I don’t want you to miss—there’s hope. Science also shows there are protective factors that buffer us against stress, protect our mental health, and actually help us thrive in motherhood. And the best part? They’re simple, doable practices you can start weaving into your day without adding more pressure.

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Motherhood often comes with a silent struggle that few dare name: the overwhelming feeling of depletion that can leave you feeling like a shadow of yourself. Even when we love our children fiercely, the constant giving without replenishment leads many mothers to a state of burnout that affects every aspect of life.

This powerful episode delves into why so many mothers feel worn down and what to do about it. We explore the science behind maternal depletion – how your emotional, mental and physical energy can be drained faster than it's replenished, especially under the weight of modern parenting expectations. You'll discover that these feelings aren't signs of failure but natural responses to unsustainable demands. 

Whether you're in the depths of burnout or simply feeling the first signs of depletion, this episode provides the validation, permission, and practical tools to begin your journey back to wholeness. Remember: this is your life too, and you deserve to experience it fully, not just survive it.

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Ever found yourself reacting to your children in ways you immediately regret? The space between trigger and response might be the most powerful parenting tool you've never fully utilized.

Stress, frustration, and overwhelm aren't personal failings—they're biological responses deeply wired into our nervous systems. When faced with the constant demands of parenting, our bodies interpret these challenges as threats, activating our fight-or-flight response and temporarily shutting down our capacity for rational thought. But what if just three seconds could change everything?

This episode reveals how a simple pause can completely transform your stress response. Through mindful breathing, physical grounding techniques, and practices like Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping), you can create vital space between feeling triggered and choosing your response. These micro-moments of awareness aren't just coping mechanisms—they're rewiring your brain, strengthening neural pathways that lead to more intentional parenting aligned with your deepest values.

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Navigating life's hardships comes with the added challenge of deciding what to share with others. Whether you're facing job loss, health concerns, or family difficulties, questions from others can feel intrusive and overwhelming. In this episode, I introduce a powerful framework called The Four Levels of Response, designed to help you know exactly what to say—and what not to say—depending on who’s asking. 

At the heart of this episode is a powerful four-layer framework that puts you back in control of your narrative. You'll discover how to create different levels of response for various people in your life—from your innermost circle to casual acquaintances. This isn't about being secretive or deceptive; it's about being intentional with your truth and protecting your emotional energy. This episode offers a transformative approach to handling these sensitive conversations with confidence and grace.

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

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