Remember when Halloween meant heading out with your friends, going door to door, and coming home when your candy bag was full?

In this episode of Decades of Difference: Parenting, I'm talking about something we can all relate to: we don't know what we don't know.

As parents, we make decisions based on what we've experienced, what we've learned, and what we believe is best for our kids. But how much has that changed over the generations?

From Halloween memories to the freedom and independence we give our children, I reflect on how differently we parent today compared to when we were growing up.

Are we protecting our kids more, or are we sometimes holding them back from experiences that help them grow?

It's an honest conversation about parenting, changing times, and figuring things out as we go.

Because no matter what generation we're from, we're all learning along the way.

In this episode of Decades of Difference: Parenting, I'm joined by my good friend Ashley as we explore the many chapters of family life. From blended families and different cultural backgrounds to changing relationships and raising children through life's transitions, we talk about the challenges, lessons, and experiences that shape us as parents. It's an honest, down-to-earth conversation about embracing change, navigating family dynamics, and learning as we go.

In Episode 3, The Learning Curve, I'm reflecting on how parenting is always a learning curve. From raising my older two to figuring things out with my younger three in a whole new world, and now learning again as a grandparent. It's a real, personal look at how we adapt, mess up, grow, and keep learning. Because the truth is the learning never stops.

In Episode 2, I’m joined by my husband as we look back at how we got here: blending a family, raising kids through different stages of life, and navigating all the changes that have come along the way. We talk about our experiences, the things we’ve learned, how parenting has changed over the years, and what it’s really been like building a life together with a big, blended family. It’s an honest, relaxed conversation about family, parenting, relationships, and realizing just how much can change over the years.

Welcome to Episode 1 of Decades of Difference! I’m Jen, and I’m finally doing something I’ve talked about doing for a long time—starting a podcast!

In this first episode, I’m sharing a little about me, my family, and what got me thinking about how much parenting and family life have changed over the years.

I don’t have all the answers, and that’s the point. I’m curious about how other families have experienced these changes, what we can learn from each other, and how we can have these conversations without judging one another.

So, grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get started!

And if you enjoy the conversation, follow Decades of Difference so you don’t miss the next episode!

Until next time, let’s keep sharing stories and learning.

Welcome to Decades of Difference: Parenting! I’m Jen, and I’m naturally curious (and maybe a little nosy!) about how parenting and family life have changed over the past 40+ years.

We’ll explore how technology, culture, religion, society, and our changing world have influenced the way we raise our children. I want to hear real stories, learn from different perspectives, and create a place where we can connect, understand, and appreciate our differences. Join me in this journey.