Instagram story viewer> @leiladanai> Posts

Leila Danai

@leiladanai

39.4K

followers

1121

following

Mildred + Leila | Mom + Daughter
Raising a confident kid in a big world! Parenting, Travel, Joy. | Parent-Managed by @midhu24

POSTS STORIES REELS

I took my daughter to Cartagena, Colombia, and something unexpected happened:

She became our Spanish translator.

The child I’m usually guiding and helping suddenly became the person helping me navigate the world.

She ordered for us.
She communicated with people.
She listened.
She translated.
She figured things out.

And with every interaction, I watched her stand a little taller.

It reminded me that sometimes our children don’t need us to teach them more. They need opportunities to discover how much they already know.

Travel gave my daughter a chance to use Spanish with purpose. She wasn’t completing an assignment or practicing vocabulary.

She was communicating.
She was helping her family.
She was needed.

And there was something powerful about watching her realize:

“I can do something my mom can’t do.”

As parents, we’re used to being the capable ones. But our children need opportunities to be capable too.

Let them hear new languages.
Try unfamiliar foods.
Experience different cultures.
Be curious.
Be uncomfortable for a moment.
And resist the urge to step in immediately.

Give them room to navigate.

Because sometimes the moment that builds a child’s confidence isn’t hearing us say, “You can do this.”

It’s realizing for themselves:

“I just did.” ❤️

#ParentingWithPurpose #TravelWithKids #RaisingConfidentKids #BilingualKids #intentionalparenting

👗@adventurewear @dillards by @leiladanai

This clearly articulates some of the values that we are teaching Leila - it’s amazing to see that at 3 years old going on 4 - she already embodies most of these values!

1. No matter who you are talking to speak up loudly and confidently, don’t shy away from making eye contact
2. Don’t be afraid of socializing and don’t overly concern yourself with the friendships among classmates.
3. Learn to say no to things you don’t want to do - even if it’s a teacher asking
4. If a classmate says something negative to you, confidently respond and stand up for yourself
5. If someone wants something from you and you don’t want to give it, don’t timidly refuse, ask them ‘what are you offering me in return’?
6. When you feel wronged remember to immediately tell your parents – they will always support you!
7. Don’t place too much importance on how your teacher perceives you.
8. Have the courage to say NO when faced with unfairness.
9. Always maintain self confidence!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#raisingconfidentkids #blackgirlmagic #toddler #confidentchildren #model #childactor #parenting #momsanddaughters #kidsactivities by @leiladanai

Let confident, brave little @leiladanai be an inspiration to all of us to stand up to the “Owens” in our life! 👏🏽🥹

❤️ Ty to Leila and her mama @midhu24 for letting us share their video here! They’ve also written a children’s book about Leila’s experience standing up for herself called “Maya’s Brave Stand”, which you can get on Amazon! by @leiladanai

At 6 years old, my daughter is learning something some adults spend a lifetime figuring out: WHO you surround yourself with matters. ❤️

While building a 1,722-piece @lego set designed for ages 18+, Leila started talking about her classmate, Jethro. 🥹

Not about what he owns, how he looks or how popular he is.

She talked about his CHARACTER. ❤️

“He’s kind, compassionate and thoughtful”

And THAT made my mama heart smile. 🥹

In our home, we talk about more than academics. We talk about friendships, kindness, boundaries and even the qualities she should look for in a husband one day! 😂❤️

Not because I’m rushing her to grow up, but because I want her to recognize healthy love, respect and friendship long before she has to make those big decisions.

I want her to know:

❤️ Kindness is a strength, not a weakness.

❤️ How someone makes you FEEL matters.

❤️ Boundaries are healthy, even with people you love.

❤️ You can be kind to everyone without giving everyone access to you.

❤️ Choose friends who celebrate, respect and encourage you—and make you feel safe being yourself.

And most importantly, BE the kind of person you hope to find in others.

As I listened to her, I realized she’s not just learning to identify good character. She’s learning to VALUE it.

And while I’m proud that she doesn’t let an “18+” label stop her from tackling a 1,722-piece LEGO challenge, I’m even prouder of the little human she’s becoming. 🥹❤️

I messaged Jethro’s mom afterward because we should tell parents when they’re raising children who make others feel loved, valued and included.

Good kids deserve recognition, too. And so do the parents raising them. ❤️

Parents, are we teaching our children how to choose good friends, or only how to BE good friends?

Because BOTH matter. ❤️

#IntentionalParenting #RaisingGoodHumans #ParentingWithPurpose #RaisingConfidentKids #EmotionalIntelligence PositiveParenting ChildhoodFriendships RaisingStrongGirls GentleParenting LEGOKids MotherhoodUnfiltered ParentingWisdom by @leiladanai

From her very first LEGO build to completing 1,000-piece LEGO sets completely on her own!

What started as a fun activity a few years ago has become one of my favorite lessons in parenting.

In our home, we have a simple philosophy: We finish what we start. ❤️

And over the years, I’ve watched that mindset develop Leila’s patience, discipline, focus, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Not every build is easy. Sometimes it takes hours, sometimes days. But she’s learned that challenging doesn’t mean impossible.

A huge thank you to @barnesandnoble for hosting such a fun @lego event! The build was simple compared to what she’s used to, and yes, Leila finished first! 😂 But what made me proudest wasn’t how quickly she finished. It was watching her encourage others, enjoy the experience, and celebrate the moment.

Because raising capable children isn’t just about teaching them how to succeed. It’s about teaching them patience, perseverance, kindness, and the joy of simply participating. ❤️

And a little reminder to us parents: Sometimes the simplest moments create the most meaningful memories. Show up. Have fun. Encourage someone. Those little things matter.

👗 Outfit: @hm because building confidence and building LEGOs can both be done in style! 💕

💇🏽‍♀️ And for everyone following the hair saga… YES, the hair Owen didn’t like is STILL thriving! 😂💁🏽‍♀️✨

Parents, do you believe in teaching children to finish what they start, or do you think it’s equally important to know when to walk away? I’d love to hear your parenting philosophy! 👇🏽

#RaisingConfidentKids #ParentingWithPurpose #LEGO #LEGOKids #GirlsWhoBuild RaisingResilientKids LearningThroughPlay STEMForGirls BlackGirlMagic MotherhoodUnfiltered IntentionalParenting BarnesAndNoble HMKids by @leiladanai

Cartagena through Leila’s eyes. 🇨🇴✨

History. Culture. Art. Language. Adventure. 🌎

From walking the historic walls to learning about emeralds and discovering beautiful art around every corner the world is becoming one of her greatest classrooms. ❤️

Raising a little girl who is curious enough to explore the world and confident enough to find her place in it.

And of course… my little @dillards model understood the Cartagena assignment. Wearing 💕✨
👗 GB Girls

#CartagenaColombia #ColombiaTravel #TravelWithKids #RaisingGlobalKids #BlackFamilyTravel MotherDaughterTravel BilingualKids SpanishImmersion DillardsModel GBGirls KidsFashion LeilasAdventures by @leiladanai

The #1 question everyone keeps asking: “How does your 6-year-old speak Spanish like THAT?!” 😂❤️🇨🇴

The answer? It wasn’t one thing.

Leila has been learning Spanish through immersion, consistency and real-life experiences and watching it all come together has been incredible.

She’s is learning Spanish at school, with teachers who challenge her and have built an incredible foundation.

She practices with @duolingo outside of school.

We incorporate Spanish books from @amazon into her world.
She watches shows in Spanish, so the language becomes something she hears naturally not just something she studies.
I encourage her to actually speak Spanish with people. Even when she’s unsure. Even when she makes mistakes. Confidence comes from using it.

And one of the biggest pieces: TRAVEL. I give her opportunities to take what she has learned in the classroom and use it in the real world.

But there’s another part I never want to leave out: Leila herself. ❤️

I can create the opportunities, her school and teachers can give her the foundation, and technology can give her practice but she has to be brave enough to speak.

Watching my 6-year-old realize, “Wait…I can actually communicate with people in another language,” has been one of my favorite parenting moments.

My goal isn’t perfection.

It’s raising a child who is curious about the world, comfortable outside of her comfort zone, and confident enough to communicate across cultures.

And we’re just getting started. 🥹

#RaisingLeila #BilingualKids #SpanishImmersion #RaisingGlobalKids MultilingualKids TravelWithKids Parenting MomAndDaughter LanguageLearning SpanishForKids BlackMoms BlackGirlsTravel RaisingConfidentKids Duolingo by @leiladanai

Leila has always been that kid! New hobby unleashed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#skyscaper #netflix #freesoloclimber #soloclimbing #kids #parenting #toddlerlife #model #momlife @netflix #kidclimber by @leiladanai

Summer is almost over - perhaps our bank accounts will survive this! 😁
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#summervibes☀️ #summerbreak #kidsactivities #dadsanddaughters #parenting #consciousparenting #toddler #children #model by @leiladanai

Oceans may separate them — my dad in Zimbabwe, my daughter here in the US — but love knows no borders. 🌍💞

At 75, he’s dancing to Flowers like he’s still chasing dreams. Watching him dance to Flowers with such joy beside my daughter is more than just a sweet moment — it’s a powerful reminder: to take care of our bodies, to keep moving, and to show up for love at every age.

He was the first man I ever loved — now I get to watch him become part of her world, too. And as a mother, there’s nothing more beautiful than witnessing the bond between the ones who made you and the one you’re raising.

This is what legacy looks like — joyful, present, and powered by love that travels across generations and continents.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#MotherhoodMoments #GenerationsOfLove #MamaAndMini #PapaAndGranddaughter #ParentingWithHeart #FromMeToHer #LegacyOfLove #ZimbabweToUSA #DancingThroughLife #HealthyAt75 #FamilyAcrossBorders #GirlDadForever #GrandparentsAreMagic #MileyCyrus #FlowersChallenge #ParentingJoyfully #LoveInMotion by @leiladanai

We just got back from London, and I want to share a few things that made this trip with my 5-year-old truly memorable—and manageable.

Traveling internationally with kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little intention and flexibility, it becomes a chance to create lasting family memories and teach them through experience.

Here’s what worked for us:

We brought the stroller. At 5 years old, she still gets tired, especially with long days and uneven streets. It gave her the rest she needed and gave us the freedom to explore without burnout.

We used local currency. British pounds became part of the learning experience. She helped pay for small items and learned how money works in a different country. It made her feel involved and confident.

We didn’t try to do it all. Instead of rushing, we focused on presence. Standing under Big Ben, walking across London Bridge, stopping for spontaneous snacks—those unscripted moments were the most powerful.

We traveled as a team! Traveling as a team reminded me that it’s about support, shared joy, and showing up for each other, wherever we are in the world.

This trip reminded me that kids don’t need perfection—they need connection, comfort, and space to be part of the experience. You don’t have to wait until they’re “older” to take the trip. Just adjust the pace and stay present.

What’s one thing that helped you travel better with your little one?

#ConsciousParenting #FamilyTravelTips #LondonWithKids #ParentingOnTheGo #MindfulMotherhood #FamilyTimeMatters #TravelWithChildren #CoParentingJourney #IntentionalLiving #ModernMotherhood #BlackMomsWhoTravel #motherandchild by @leiladanai

When your child dreams out loud—listen.
Leila asked for a boat, a view, and an adventure.
We saved, we planned, and we made it happen.

From London to Milan to Lake Como, this wasn’t just a trip.
It was a moment of connection. Culture. Growth.
And memories we’ll hold onto forever.

If you’re thinking about traveling with your kids, do it.
Let them be curious. Let them lead.
It might just teach you something too.

#MomAndDaughterTrip
#LakeComoWithKids
#TravelWithKids
#BlackMomsTravel
#intentionalparenting
#TravelDeeper
#GirlsTripGoals
#MomsWhoTravel
#RaisingExplorers
#PassportReady
#ExperienceOverThings
#ParentingThroughTravel
#TravelTipsWithKids
#FamilyAdventures
#LakeComoItaly by @leiladanai