1980’s Parenting with my Mom, Cheryl Craig

Introduction

Welcome back to the Burnout Lab, and welcome to our final episode of Season 1! In honour of Mother’s Day this month, we're closing out the season with a special guest—my mom. We began the season with her, and it's only fitting we end it the same way. Today, we’ll discuss how motherhood has evolved over the years and what changes might be contributing to burnout. Plus, we'll share some funny comparisons between parenting in the '80s and now. Thanks for joining me again, Mom—you were a hit on the first episode!

Motherhood Then vs. Now

We discuss information overload, and how it affects moms today. In comparison, the '80s parents had limited sources of information—parenting books and advice from friends. Cheryl shares how, as a nurse, she had an edge, but even she had to navigate with what was available. Today, we have Google, AI, and countless online resources, which can be both helpful and overwhelming. We talk about this constant influx of information and how it adds stress, even as it helps us make informed decisions. Cheryl reflects on her experiences, noting that while information was limited back then, parents leaned on each other for advice and had to advocate for their children just as fiercely.

Modern Burnout Factors

We chat about overscheduling as a major issue today. Every activity is planned and structured, leaving little room for spontaneous play. This constant scheduling leads to burnout for both parents and kids. In the '80s, many parents found better balance by scaling back when activities became too much. Cheryl shares her strategy for ensuring extracurricular activities never became too demanding in their home.

Technology and Downtime

Cheryl recalls how unstructured downtime had its downsides even for her as a child, but today’s screen time issues are different. We discuss the ups and downs of kids having excessive free time and how technology adds another modern challenge. While it offers convenience and information, it can lead to non-productive behaviors and expose kids to harmful content, which contributes to parent's desire to over-schedule their kids.

Advice for Modern Parents

Cheryl offers heartfelt advice for parents feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, including giving yourself grace. Don’t be afraid to apologize to your kids when you make mistakes. It teaches them resilience and the importance of moving past errors. Kids are adaptable and resilient. They don’t need to be scheduled into every activity to thrive. Sometimes, less is more. Focus on what your kids truly enjoy and let them have a more carefree childhood. Reflect on your parenting wins, celebrate them, and let your kids see you do it too.

Closing and Call to Action

Thanks so much, Mom, for sharing your wisdom with us today. I know many listeners will take away valuable insights. You did an awesome job as a parent—don’t ever beat yourself up.

To all our listeners, thank you for joining us for Season 1 of the Burnout Lab. Don't forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. Let's keep the conversation going in the comments and on social media—share your thoughts on how parenting has changed, how you avoid burnout as a parent, and what you've learned from today's discussions.

See you in Season 2, and remember to live life lit! 🔥