Eps 110 | Breaking the Cycle: Why Emotional Intelligence is the Most Important Leadership Skill You'll Ever Learn

Jennifer explores why emotional intelligence is the most critical leadership skill you'll ever develop as a mother. Drawing from corporate leadership research and personal experience, she reveals how your nervous system regulation directly impacts your children's brain development, health, and future relationships—and how breaking toxic patterns today creates a healthier legacy for generations to come. This episode is for every mama who's realized she's parenting differently than she was parented, who's seen her own reactive patterns show up with her kids, or who's ready to break cycles that no longer serve her family. You'll discover the thermostat effect in parenting, why emotional safety is a biological need for children, and practical steps to regulate your nervous system so you can lead your family with confidence and calm. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Emotional Intelligence 04:00 - The Impact of Leadership Styles on Children 05:55 - The Thermostat Analogy in Parenting 09:10 - Personal Stories and Lessons Learned 16:35 - The Journey of Self-Regulation 26:03 - Embracing Mistakes in Parenting 30:55 - Navigating the Teen Years 31:28 - Acknowledging Past Mistakes 36:09 - Creating a New Family Legacy About the Host Jennifer Bryant is an educational leader with 25+ years of experience, speech and debate coach, former journalist, and recovering perfectionist who understands the weight of motherhood firsthand. As a homeschooling mother of two teenagers, she's walked through the struggles of comparison, anxiety, and the pressure to be perfect—and she's learned that being "enough" isn't about doing everything right; it's about embracing who you are and the unique calling you have as a mother. Through the Enough Mom Podcast and her work with Practical Family, Jennifer helps mothers break free from comparison culture and step into confident, authentic parenting. Her three-pillar framework—courage, confidence, and calling—equips moms to trust themselves, embrace their worth, and raise children who know they're enough too. Connect with Jennifer: Instagram: @jenniferbryant__ Website: Jennifer-Bryant.com Email: Join her list for weekly encouragement Coaching & Support Personal Coaching Services - Work with Jennifer for personal coaching and digital consulting. New Year Special: 10% off all coaching packages for podcast listeners! Visit Jennifer-Bryant.com and mention this episode for your discount. Resources Mentioned in This Episode 🧠 Better Ways to Calm Your Nervous System Rachael Rogers - Adult Regulation System https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSlaHLZDm4j/?igsh=anB2ZWZubThsdjNu Attachment Research on "Soft Eyes" https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12293180/ 📞 Coaching Packages - 10% off for podcast listeners Jennifer-Bryant.com Jennifer's Resources 🎯 Dream Reconnection Journal - A contemplative journal that walks you through seven environments of your inner world. Reconnect with what you actually want and ground yourself so you can face motherhood's challenges with clarity and confidence. Because wanting things isn't selfish—it's getting back to knowing who you are. https://practical-family.kit.com/products/dream-reconnection-journal-digital 📖 OVER Framework - FREE download to help you overcome mental struggles that keep you trapped in anxiety, comparison, and fear. Learn to: Observe your thoughts without judgment Validate your feelings without being controlled by them Examine the truth versus the distortions you're believing Redirect your mind toward what is true and life-giving Don't wait—equip yourself with these tools today! These resources were created from Jennifer's own struggles as a mom, and they can help you navigate the challenges you're facing right now. Subscribe & Support Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enough-mom-podcast/id1846967110 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5CWYwsLjG84ggXwfGSUWoO YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jenn_bryant Love the show? Here's how you can help: Share this episode with another mom who needs to hear it Leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps other moms find us! Subscribe so you never miss an episode Follow on social media and join the conversation Support the Podcast: This show is listener-supported! Keep annoying commercials out of the mix by supporting independent content. Visit Ko-fi.com/enoughmom to buy Jennifer a coffee and keep the podcast going strong. --------- Disclaimer: Jennifer Bryant is not a licensed professional counselor. The content shared on this podcast is based on personal experience and educational research. All medical and scientific information is credited to appropriate sources. For professional mental health support, please consult a licensed therapist or counselor in your area: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us