More Human More Kind: Practical Guidance for Allyship and Parenting LGBTQ Teens

DAY 5MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!12 Tiny Rebellions to Counter Holiday ChaosYou're at the holiday table. Your child walks in. A relative misgenders them on purpose. The room freezes, your heart races, and you feel that internal tug between protecting your child and keeping the peace.In this holiday capsule episode, Heather Hester shares a grounded, loving framework to handle this common but painful moment with grace. You’ll learn how to regulate your nervous system, speak up with clarity, and model fierce allyship without fueling the fire.You’ll walk away with:A 3-step response formula: Pause, Protect, PivotGrounded language to correct misgendering without escalatingA powerful Breath of Safety ritual to calm your nervous system and release shameJournaling prompts to support your courage and confidence in real timeYour Strategy: Prepare one neutral corrective sentence (e.g. “We use they/them for Riley”) + a pivot phrase (e.g. “Let’s move on”)Your Ritual: Try the 3-part Breath of SafetyInhale: My love protects → Exhale: Shame is not mineInhale: My clarity guides → Exhale: Their reaction is theirsInhale: We belong → Exhale: We are okayJournal Prompt: What does courage look like for me in moments like this?💌 For deeper allyship support, visit heatherhester.net or share this episode with a fellow parent, advocate, or LGBTQ+ ally navigating similar territory.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.Whether you’re listening in,...

DAY 4MORE HUMAN MONETS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND MOST COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!12 Rebellions Against Holiday ChaosIs your stomach in knots before a holiday gathering, already dreading that one comment you know is coming? You’re not alone. Conflict is hard enough. But when you're an LGBTQ+ parent or ally, it comes with an emotional cost most people don’t see.In this holiday capsule episode of More Human, More Kind, Heather Hester offers a calm, clear strategy to handle those moments when tension bubbles up without spiraling, freezing, or feeling like you have to fight. You’ll learn how to stay grounded, protect your nervous system, and exit hard conversations with dignity and intention.You’ll walk away with:The real reason anticipated conflict is so draining especially for LGBTQ+ parents and advocatesA set of shame-free, emotionally neutral exit lines you can use to shut down tension without escalatingA 30-second breathwork ritual to reset your system, wherever you areA powerful reframe: you don’t have to “win” the moment, you just need to protect your peace🎯 Your Strategy: Pre-script 1–2 clear exit lines to carry into every holiday space🧘‍♀️ Your Ritual: Try the Peace Over Proving breathwork practice: inhale for 4, exhale for 6, repeat the mantra: I choose peace📓 Bonus prompt: What am I choosing not to engage with to protect my peace?Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast and space where a mom and mental health advocate

DAY 3MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND MOST COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR12 Tiny Rebellions Against Holiday ChaosThe holiday lights are twinkling, the house is full, and yet, you feel... alone. If you're parenting or advocating for an LGBTQ+ child, this ache is more common than you think. You’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone.In today’s holiday capsule episode Heather Hester speaks directly to the invisible load carried by parents, caregivers, and allies during the holidays. Through gentle insight and a grounding ritual, she helps you shift the narrative around loneliness from shame to sacred rest.You’ll learn:Why holiday loneliness can hit even when you're surrounded by others, especially for LGBTQ+ parents and alliesA powerful reframe: how solitude can become your sanctuaryA comforting ritual involving warmth, music, and reflection to return to yourselfPlus: how to recognize that emotional labor counts, even when it's unseen.☕ Make a warm drink, hold it with both hands, and feel its comfort as permission to rest🎵 Create your “My Belonging” playlist: songs that help you return to you📝 Ask yourself: Where can I rest today, even for a few minutes?Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the LGBTQ community—including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer...

DAY 2MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND MOST COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!12 Tiny Rebellions Against Holiday Chaos!The holidays are magical, but they’re also messy, especially when you're parenting or supporting an LGBTQ+ child. Old family patterns, loaded conversations, and invisible emotional labor can leave you feeling like you’re managing landmines while trying to spread cheer.In today’s holiday capsule episode Heather shares why boundaries aren't just allowed, they’re essential. If you're already feeling that lump-in-your-throat stress before the next family gathering, this moment is for you.You’ll learn:Why LGBTQ+ families face unique pressures during the holidaysA shame-free, simple way to script your boundaries in advanceA calming, 60-second visualization ritual to help you hold your ground with gracePlus: the reminder you didn’t know you needed: being kind doesn’t mean accommodating harm.✔️ Grab your journal and reflect: What boundary protects my peace the most in this situation?✔️ Practice your personalized boundary script before your next family eventClick PLAY to listen now - and - Tomorrow’s capsule (Day 3) explores a deeply felt topic: loneliness in the middle of togetherness. You won’t want to miss it!Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast and space where a mom and mental health advocate offers guidance on parenting with empathy, inclusion, and open-minded allyship, fostering growth, healing, and empowerment within the...

 Today is day 1 of our 12 day holiday capsule! More Human Moments for the Most Wonderful (and Complicated!) Time of the Year. 12 Tiny Rebellions Against Holiday ChaosLet Go of Holiday Perfection and Embrace Presence, Grounding, and EnoughnessThis is a powerful moment of reflection for LGBTQ+ parents and allies navigating the complexities of the holiday season. If you're feeling the pressure to "get it right" while also holding emotional space for your LGBTQ child, this short and grounding episode is for you.What You’ll Learn:Why holiday overwhelm hits harder for LGBTQ+ families and affirming parentsOne practical mindset shift to move from perfectionism to peaceA 60-second guided breathing ritual to help you reset anywhere, anytimeHow choosing enoughness supports inclusion, healing, and mental healthWhy It Matters:Holidays can amplify stress and grief, especially for families prioritizing safety, diversity, and unconditional love in the face of family dynamics or outdated beliefs. This episode empowers parents and allies to hold boundaries with grace, model empathy, and embrace a more human approach to parenting and advocacy.Action Step:Light a candle (or imagine one), breathe deeply, and ask yourself: What would be enough for today to feel okay? Then, join us tomorrow for Day 2: How to Prepare Boundaries for Complicated Family Spaces.Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!Become a private clientAttend Friday Reflection LIVE on Substack - guided journaling and Q&AInvite me to speak at your workshop or event Receive a free excerpt and reflection guide from my book, Parenting with Pride. Share More Human. More Kind. Please subscribe, rate, and review!Connect [email protected] on YouTubeListen to *NEW* episodes every Tuesday and Friday!At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast and space where a mom and mental health...