Where's the Lemonade? By cover art

Where's the Lemonade?

By: Darren & Paige Pulsipher
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  • Summary

  • They say when life gives you lemons you should make lemonade. Making lemonade is not always easy or possible. For us, we found ourselves single in our 40's with kids at home and starting life over again. Luckily we found each other, online no doubt. When we began blending families, schedules, traditions, and laundry, we discovered lots of lemons. Our podcast is a reflection on how we get through the hard times and enjoy the good times on our new journey together, all with ten kids in tow. Sometimes when life gives you lemons, you make lemon squares. Lemonade might come later.
    2019 Darren & Paige Pulsipher
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Episodes
  • #6.10 Having kids now vs 20 years ago

    #6.10 Having kids now vs 20 years ago
    Jun 13 2024

    Darren and Paige have 4 grandkids. 8, 5, 3 and 6 months. They are so fun to be around and it is so fun to see our kids be parents. They were just talking about how so much has changed since they had babies. From childbirth, what to feed your babies, how to raise them, parent involvement etc.. Let’s explore the differences and see if these differences are for the better or ….

    Medical Advances


    Prenatal Care and Screening:


    * Then: Limited prenatal screening options; basic ultrasound and some genetic tests.


    * Now: Comprehensive prenatal screenings, including non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for genetic conditions,


    3D/4D ultrasounds, and detailed anomaly scans.


    Fertility Treatments:


    * Then: Basic fertility treatments like IVF were available but less refined.


    * Now: Advanced reproductive technologies, including improved IVF techniques, egg freezing, and genetic screening of


    embryos.


    Birth Practices:


    * Then: More routine use of episiotomies, less emphasis on natural birth, 1 in 20 births were c section


    * Now: Greater emphasis on natural and personalized birth plans, midwifery, and doulas; increased options for pain


    management and labor support.1 in 5 births are c section.


    Technology


    Information Access:


    * Then: Reliance on books, limited internet resources, and advice from family and friends.


    * Now: Extensive online resources, parenting apps, telemedicine consultations, and virtual support groups.


    Monitoring and Gadgets:


    * Then: Basic baby monitors, fewer technological aids.


    * Now: Smart baby monitors with video and health tracking features, wearable devices for babies, and smart nursery


    equipment.


    Societal and Cultural Changes


    Parental Leave:


    * Then: Shorter and less comprehensive parental leave policies in many places.


    * Now: Improved parental leave policies in many regions, with some countries offering extended and paid leave for


    both parents.


    Work-Life Balance:


    * Then: More traditional roles with often one parent staying at home.


    * Now: Increased focus on work-life balance, remote working options, and more fathers taking active roles in


    child-rearing.


    Lifestyle and Parenting Trends


    Parenting Styles:


    * Then: More authoritative and traditional parenting styles.


    * Now: Emphasis on gentle parenting, attachment parenting, and positive discipline.


    Health and Safety:


    * Then: Basic safety guidelines and fewer regulations.


    * Now: Stringent safety standards for baby products, awareness of safe sleep practices (e.g., back-to-sleep campaign),


    and more focus on mental health.


    Financial and Economic Factors


    Cost of Raising a Child:


    * Then: Lower overall costs, but fewer resources to manage expenses.


    * Now: Higher costs associated with childcare, education, and healthcare, but more financial planning tools and resources.


    Economic Conditions:


    * Then: Different economic pressures, often influenced by regional economic stability.


    * Now: Current economic challenges, such as housing costs and student loan debts, affect family planning decisions.


    These differences highlight the evolution in healthcare, technology, societal norms, and economic conditions that impact the experience of having and raising a child today compared to 20 years ago.


    Lemonade moment of the week:


    David is gone we miss him. But he is working hard trying to become a state lifeguard.


    Links


    https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-has-childbirth-changed-century

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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    39 mins
  • #6.9 It's summer time with teenagers

    #6.9 It's summer time with teenagers
    May 31 2024
    Darren and Paige celebrate summer with a house full of teenagers and young adults, which makes the summer busy and fun. As their kids transition into adulthood, scheduling and managing expectations can be difficult. Listen to their approach to this tricky time for parents and children.Paige and Darren just graduated, Sam. He will be headed off to BYU in the fall. Now, they are just down to one child at home, who will be a senior next year. They will ease their way into empty nesting. But what about the summer? This is a unique challenge when you have older kids as opposed to littles. Let's delve into how they will handle the summer.* Give the kids a schedule. This was a lifesaver when kids were little—they had a schedule for the morning. Flexible in the afternoon. But what about older high school and college kids? Schedule? Do they need a schedule?* Limit screentime. When little, this is much easier. I had a jar of popsicle sticks with things to do on them. I don’t think the older kids would be interested in those sticks. Do you limit an 18 or 19-year-old screentime? * Work during the summer? Yes or no? Paige and Darren say yes. But if not, give them something productive to do. Sleeping in until noon every day is not a good way to spend three months of summer. They need productive days to feel a purpose. Internships, volunteering, taking summer classes, helping out with projects at home…* Managing three different work schedules. Calendar, Calendar, Calendar!* Family activities. Can everyone be together in the summer? It's a question we often ask ourselves. But it's important to make time for these shared experiences, as they create lasting memories and strengthen our bond as a family. * Follow basic family etiquette. Where are you? What time will you be home? Check in. Clean up after yourself. Be polite. Lemonade moment of the week:Sam graduated. It's a bittersweet moment, seeing Sammy grow up so fast. The time has flown by, and I'm filled with a mix of sadness and excitement for his future. He's off to BYU, with his siblings close by. We'll miss him, and the house will feel empty without his friends. The pantry will be lonely… But it's also a moment of pride, knowing that we've guided him to this point in his life. Links* https://www.almostemptynest.net/how-to-survive-the-summer-with-your-high-school-and-college-kids/* https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/4-summer-coparenting-schedules--- In today's world, navigating the intricacies of parenting can often feel like walking a tightrope. This was the focus topic in a recent 'Where's the Lemonade?' podcast - guiding teenagers and young adults through adulthood while maintaining the delicate balance of freedom and safety. The hosts, Darren & Paige Pulsipher, shared their unique nighttime rule. Once their children reach the ages of eighteen or nineteen, they must send a midnight update about their location, companions, activities, and estimated return time. If their adventures are to last beyond the initially stated time, they need to check in once more. This rule, the hosts believe, is a fine balance between freedom and responsibility, fostering a culture of transparency between parents and their offspring, promoting respect in the familial ecosystem.Living under the same roof with their college-aged children brings its own set of anxieties for the hosts. Whether it’s the late-night worry about their children’s safety or the accommodation chaos left behind after a party, navigation through these circumstances becomes crucial. This is where the 'we’re home text' rule comes into play, a necessary measure to reassure worried parents about their child's safety.As the parents highlight, forming and adhering to rules is a significant part of growing up. One such rule stressed the importance of cleaning up after oneself. The hosts mentioned that they do not function as a restaurant, and their children are expected to clean their dishes after use. These rules, they believe, are not just about maintaining order in the house, but also about imbuing a sense of discipline and responsibility within their children, qualities that will help them cope in adulthood.Abiding by household rules, no matter how small forms the backbone of the household culture the hosts have built over the years. Etiquette, such as voicing your departures and avoiding food on the couch, might seem trivial. Still, they contribute towards fostering respect for the rules, which eventually transcends into consideration for the parents and their efforts.All the rules set forth by the parents, as strict as they may seem, are ultimately grounded in love and the intent to prepare their children for the responsibilities of adult life. They view the shift towards independent life as a preparation phase, infused with bittersweet nostalgia but envisioned with unending hope for their children's bright future.The hosts of 'Where's the Lemonade?' have undoubtedly provided their ...
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    27 mins
  • #6.8 Have fun on your work cruise!!! Without me!!

    #6.8 Have fun on your work cruise!!! Without me!!
    May 31 2024

    Darren recently returned from a “work cruise” while Paige was left at home to hold down the fort. Darren frequently travels for work and, when not traveling, works from home, so it is all or nothing. How does this impact their relationship? How do they handle the separation? Does Paige party and look forward to Darren being gone?? Does Darren party and look forward to work trips??

    Your partner has an amazing job. They love what they do and they get to travel. How hard is it to be supportive when you are the one left home with all the daily tasks and they are enjoying lunches, dinners, parties, beaches, golfing, etc?


    Tips to cope with being home alone:


    * Get up before your kids. Gives you time to get things organized before the chaos begins.


    * Hire a sitter or ask a family member for help. It might save your sanity, even if it's just going to the store by yourself.


    * Start bedtime early. By the end of the day everyone can be grumpy and tired. Without your partner to help in the nightime routine, it can be very hard.


    * Start early, be patient and get those kids to bed so you can have some alone time.


    * Make contact with mom or dad, whoever is gone. It will be helpful for everyone if you can keep them in the loop.


    * EASY DINNER!! Yes please. You dont need the stress of having to deal with everything alone and making a complicated dinner. Keep it easy, order out if possible, mac and cheese.


    Protect your relationship:


    * Discuss things beforehand. How long will they be gone? What will they be doing? What are the expectations of communicating while apart? Are there expectations of things to get done?


    * Develop rituals while apart. “Landed”


    Talk daily. You need that time to connect and discuss what's happening on both sides.


    * Take time to have some intimate time before their trip and right after.


    Realize it's not a fairy tale. It's easy to feel like your traveling partner is seeing and doing amazing things during their work trips. It’s not all fun and games. A work trip is not a vacation…unless it is! Your partner is working, and they are tired from jet lag, sick of eating out, missing you and kids, they are lonely.


    * Be understanding. Don't let resentment build up.


    Take care of yourself:


    * Socialize. Set up a playdate with friends if the kids are little. Go out to lunch with your bestie. Get out of the house.


    * Look at your time alone as a positive. You don't have to share the TV. You can work on projects you have been putting off. Read a book and relax.


    * Escape when they get home. Your partner might not want to manage the kids alone when they first get home, but it's good for them. Sleep in or get out alone.


    * Think about the points your partner is racking up for a fun vacation together!!


    # Links:


    https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/how-to-cope-when-your-partner-travels-often-for-work


    # Lemonade moment of the week:


    Darren was out of town so Paige was lonely, but the lemonade is she got a lot done around the house. Pantry, closet, office all clean. And…. had the tv all to herself, and didn't eat big meals.


    # GenAI Images


    !steampunk


    !photowhite


    !bw50

    ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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    24 mins
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