I Start Wondering Conversation: Parenting’s Changing Chapter

Show notes:

This conversation discusses some issues related to parenting teenage children and ideas to consider as the active parenting stage ends. 

Topics that are addressed:

• Active parenting is a finite experience. Kim and Jenni recommend that women consider what your end goal is for your children.

• Children need their parents in different ways as they grow older.

• Parenting can become women’s identity while involved in active parenting. However, it’s good for women to consider other parts of their identity and priorities beyond parenthood, especially as their children grow up. 

• Women can serve as a support to each other in moving through the latter part of parenting as children begin to transition into adulthood.

• As children grow up, the dynamics change in the home life.

• The definition of “enjoying your kids” may change as they age, so it is helpful to be present in the moment.

• A woman’s partner can be helpful in encouraging a woman to see her potential and cultivate her next chapter of life after the phase of active parenting ended.

• Kim and Jenni encourage women to reframe their time after active parenting as an opportunity to follow something that you’re really excited about, whether that’s a career, a hobby or volunteer opportunity.

• Consider what you’re modeling for your children. This is an opportunity to counter stereotypes of what it means to be a woman and aging.

Featured on This Podcast:

Jenni de Jong, I Start Wondering columnist, who is a licensed massage therapist, craniosacral therapist Diplomat, and mother of 2 adult children

Kim Painter, who is a licensed physical therapist, licensed massage therapist, craniosacral therapist Diplomat, and mother of 4 adult children

Resources:

Part 1 of this podcast series: I Start Wondering Conversation: Navigating an Empty Nest, Onset of Menopause & Changing Partnership 

I Start Wondering Conversation: The Importance of Being More Present as We Age