Jenna Hermans
Jenna Hermans is living proof that you can create a life of calm within chaos and overwhelm.
She uses her bachelor’s degree in psychology, master’s degree in organizational management, and over fifteen years of human resources experience to build strong teams, both at work and at home. Jenna is the co-founder of Be Courageous and author of Chaos to Calm: 5 Ways Busy Parents Can Break Free from Overwhelm. She manages businesses, family operations, and kids’ schedules, all while nurturing her sanity and promoting calm. She lives in the SF bay area with her husband and four kids.
How has motherhood informed or changed your current career path?
At first, it didn’t. When I married my husband and became an instant mother of 3 young kids I worked hard to keep my career in human resources on a progressive path. That changed when I became pregnant with our youngest child, though. I worked in a toxic environment and knew I had to quit to protect mine and my child’s health.. My husband and I decided I would stay home to support our kids and home full-time until after our baby was born, and we’d figure out my next career steps after maternity leave. The universe intervened, and after our youngest entered the world, my husband approached me about the idea of starting our own business and working for ourselves. Six and a half years later, I am continuously grateful to have a flexible work schedule and be able to volunteer at my kids' schools, root them on at all of their sports games and be their fan girl at their play productions. I can't imagine going to a 9-5 job while we still have young kids. Even though I end up working more than a typical employee, I get to work when it works for me and that is invaluable to me during this part of parenthood.
Tell us about your new book coming out.
With pleasure! Chaos to Calm: 5 Ways Busy Parents Can Break Free From Overwhelm is my 5th child. I couldn't be prouder of my book baby. This book shares easy-to-implement tools and methods to help calm the chaos we busy parents experience constantly.
Chaos will always be around us, but we can hold a strong foundation of self and not be influenced by the swirl. By creating an intentional system of calm, the chaos doesn't need to penetrate and rule the roost. With calm as the root, we can be responsive instead of reactive to our kids, partner, family, work etc. The book explains five pillars of calm: Efficiency, Habits, Communication, Community, and Self-care. With these concepts built into the infrastructure of life, overwhelm doesn't stand a chance.
How would you describe your own personal parenting style?
I don't follow any particular parenting approach. But if I had to give my parenting style a label, it would be intentional parenting. I read a lot of books about psychology, human development and parenting. As I learn and absorb information that resonates with me, I intentionally implement my learnings into my parenting. I approach all of my parenting and interactions with my kids with thought about how this will affect them in the present and influence them for their future.
Any tips for juggling parenthood and being a business owner?
My biggest tip is to make sure your self-care and personal routines are in check! Both parenting and being a business owner are incredibly demanding of time and energy. Make sure you are cared for and nurtured so you aren’t running on empty. You have to be your number one and get your self-care dialed in as a habit so you can show up for your kids and business with everything you've got. Self-care isn't selfish, it is as non negotiable as brushing your teeth and is what enables you to show up as your best self in all the roles you play. Especially for the people who need you most.
Tell us something bringing you joy as a parent right now.
My kids are super into playing games, and we’ve been playing a lot of games together lately. Now that our youngest is beginning to read and write he can participate in so many more games, and it's a riot. Our favorites are Mantis, Telestrations, 5 Second Rule and Scattergories. We laugh for hours and it is one of my biggest delights.
What does your typical morning routine look like?
After I wake up I meditate and do a simple stretch while still in bed. If I have thoughts that need releasing, I will journal. After that, I do my bathroom routine, get dressed and either my hubby or I wake the kids and make their breakfasts. I drop off kids at school, go to the gym, and then jump into the day’s events.
How do you manage self-care?
Self-care is nonnegotiable for me. There are three self-care items I know I need in order to be my best self for my family and work. My husband and kids know that I am my best self for them when I am cared for and fulfill my self-care commitments. First, I make sure I sleep. Without sleep, I am a frazzled Cruella DeVille. Second, I exercise 5-6 days a week. I always make sure that I can fit it in, even if I have to wake up extra early. Last, time with my community. I need to connect with people outside of my family unit to feel grounded and connected to life outside our home.
What are some current family favorites in your household right now?
Our favorite things to do are hiking (more like nature walks), going to beaches and playing games together.
Where can people connect with you?
My website, jennahermans.com/book is perfect for connecting with me and finding your preferred method for purchasing my book. You can sign up for my free monthly newsletter, “Own Your Calm,” at jennahermans.com/newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram @jennazhermans and LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jennahermans/.