It's Christmas… but it doesn't feel like Christmas.

You've booked the sleigh ride. Said yes to the cookie exchange. Nailed the elf antics, the concerts, the gifts, the matching pajamas. And somewhere between the peppermint lattes and the Pinterest-perfect moments… it hit you.

"This doesn't feel like joy. This feels like pressure."

In this heartfelt episode, Jenn gets real about the Christmas breakdown moment — that point in the season where the to-do list has taken over and the magic feels just out of reach. She invites moms, dads, caregivers, and overextended holiday heroes to take a deep breath and ask:

What do I really want this season to feel like?

Jenn shares gentle wisdom, a few stories from the frontlines of frazzled parenting, and practical ways to reclaim the peace, presence, and connection we all long for in December. This is your permission slip to stop chasing the "perfect Christmas" and start creating a meaningful one.

Whether you're baking while crying or just trying to keep up with the wrapping paper whirlwind, this episode is your warm cup of clarity and calm.

Because Christmas isn't something we perform. It's something we live — together.

Did you love this episode? Help us reach more parents by hitting follow or subscribe and leaving a review!

P.S. If you are struggling to slow down this season. Reach out, let's book you in for a free strategy call today!

In this episode, psychotherapist and parenting coach Todd Sarner shares powerful insights into defiance, attachment, and the instincts driving our children's behavior.

We explore why kids resist, what's really behind "challenging" behavior, and how understanding their emotional needs can transform how we respond. Todd brings clarity and compassion to the parenting journey, helping us move from reactivity to connection—with tools rooted in attachment theory and neuroscience.

Perfect for any parent wanting to go deeper than discipline and discover the why behind their child's behavior.

When we understand the why, everything begins to change.

Who is Todd?

Todd Sarner, MFT, is a psychotherapist, parenting coach, and founder of Transformative Parenting, where he helps high-achieving parents move beyond daily power struggles and emotional overwhelm into deeper connection, lasting peace, and real cooperation at home. A former Faculty Member of the Neufeld Institute and longtime student of developmental attachment theory, Todd blends cutting-edge neuroscience with practical, compassionate strategies that work in the real world. His signature Transformative Parenting Process guides parents to become the calm, confident leaders their children need—without punishment, yelling, or losing themselves in the process.

Connect with Todd:
www.transformativeparenting.com
www.facebook.com/tparenting

Interested in his upcoming book launch?
Todd is launching his new book "The Calm & Connected Parent: An Attachment-First Guide to Raising Resilient Kids in the Age of Screens and AI" on November 18th, 2025

Looking for more podcasts on this topic?

Anxiety in Our Kids

Why Are Kids Bad After School?

Defiance! When Your Kids Say NO!

🎉 Season 7 Launch! 🎉
We're kicking off a brand new season of the Families Matter Most podcast—and Jenn is diving straight into a big one: Anxiety in our kids.

From toddlers to teens, anxiety shows up differently in every personality and age. In today's episode, Jenn breaks it down:
💭 What anxiety might really look like (hint: it's not always obvious)
🤝 How you can support your child with confidence and compassion
🚩 When it's time to seek extra help—and how to do it

Whether you're seeing signs of anxiety in your child or just want to be prepared, this episode has something for every parent. You're not alone—and you can help your child feel safe, seen, and supported.

🔔 Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode.
🌐 Looking for more parenting tools? Visit www.familiesmattermost.com for coaching, courses, and resources to help your family thrive.