Even When the Kettle’s Bare

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Some paths are quieter than others—but walking them together makes all the difference. Today reminded me of the quiet weight that comes with being the one others turn to. I spoke with both of my daughters—separately, at different points in the day. One needed advice, the kind only a mother can give when life feels uncertain. The other’s voice held something heavier, and when I asked, she let it spill: relationship strain, financial stress, the kind of ache that’s hard to name out loud. I listened. I offered what I could—words, perspective, a little steadiness. And later, I followed up. Not because I had to, but because I know how it feels to be left holding something alone. They each thanked me. They each made a move forward. And I felt that familiar flicker of peace—the kind that comes from knowing you were able to help. But beneath that peace, there’s a quieter ache. The kind that surfaces when you’re still navigating your own storm, and yet you find yourself pouring from a cup that’...
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Generational Parenting Styles

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Oh, we’re about to stir the pot—let’s talk generational parenting styles and all the messy truth that comes with them. Buckle up.

The “Seen and Not Heard” Era (Silent Generation & Before)
Children were expected to obey without questioning. You had feelings? Cute, but irrelevant.

Discipline was swift, sometimes painfully literal. “Go grab a switch” wasn’t a metaphor.

Independence? Only when you moved out. Until then, parents ruled with an iron spoon.

The “Tough Love” Generation (Boomers)
A mix of structure, discipline, and a sprinkle of emotional neglect. Affection was there… somewhere.

Survival Skills 101: You fell? You got up. Life lesson learned.

Parents worked hard, expected hard work in return. Your emotions weren’t exactly priority #1.

The “Figure It Out” Generation (Gen X)
Latchkey kids unite! You were practically raised by your TV, siblings, and maybe a neighbor.

Parenting softened a little—feelings were acknowledged, but independence was expected fast.

“You’ll be fine” was basically a therapy session.

The “Gentle, Yet Exhausted” Era (Millennials)
Breaking cycles—more emotional intelligence, validation, and mental health awareness.

BUT, mixed with the overwhelming anxiety of doing everything right because therapy is expensive.

Internet parenting advice overload: Is screen time bad? Are time-outs cruel? Did I ruin my child already?!?!

The “Let’s See What Happens” Generation (Gen Z & Beyond)
More awareness, more inclusivity, more everything—sometimes to the point of confusion.

Parenting is collaborative, feelings are acknowledged, trauma is studied like a science.

Boundaries are in, breaking cycles is a mission, but will anyone ever figure it all out? TBD.

Truth Bomb:
Brutal truth? No one had it all right, but each generation tried in their own way. And here we are, parenting, healing, and still wondering if we’ve got it figured out.


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