The Podcast: Raising Parents – Episode 4

Episode Title: Raising Parents – Episode 4 (Tracey Ehl-Harrison)
Release Date: August 23, 2024
Duration: 34 minutes

This podcast, called “Raising Parents”, explores the idea that as kids learn, parents learn – in essence, that kids raise their parents too.

My fourth guest is Tracey Ehl-Harrrison, a fellow partner-in-crime along this parenting journey. Attached below are some of the topics we covered during our conversation.

Parenting Style and Memories of Raising Children

• Tracey describes her parenting style as flexible, playful, emotional, and permissive
• She and her husband made a deliberate decision to avoid gender stereotypes in shared household responsibilities
• Favorite memories are getting away from the daily routine, watching her kids try new adventures like surfing, and celebrating their perseverance
• Difficult memories were when her kids went through emotional struggles or withdrew during their teenage years, making Tracey feel that she may have missed something important

Family Traditions and Self-Reflection

• Important traditions were celebrating milestones with extended family, and making Eastern European foods together like sausages
• Tracey and her husband deliberately exposed their kids to different cultures, travel, and the arts – more than she had experienced in her own small town upbringing
• She wishes she had better understood how sensitive her kids were and provided more guidance to them about self-worth and establishing boundaries with peers
• Tracey wishes her kids had understood that she was “winging it” as a parent without a set plan, and that she was a human being too with sensitivities and vulnerabilities much like theirs

Parenting of Adult Children

• There is more confidence now in their adult roles and relationships, and the kids often take the lead and teach Tracey and her husband new perspectives
• Tracey enjoys shared interests with her adult children and being reminded of her own adventurous spirit through them

Advice for Other Parents

• “Put down the book” – trust your instincts over strict milestones and societal expectations
• Lead by example through handling conflicts and mistakes in a positive way
• Prioritize your own passions and happiness to be a better support for your children

A full transcript of the podcast episode can be found here:

Credits:
Featured image – Kay Parent
Intro/outro music – PodBean
Transcript – Otter.ai

sincerelykayparent