In this episode, Joe and I dive deep into the joys and challenges of parenting, particularly with our growing family after welcoming our third child! We discuss how we're managing surprisingly well with a newborn and two older kids - we're actually getting sleep (miracle of miracles!) and taking care of our mental health.

We explore the importance of giving kids tools to become independent adults while maintaining relationships where they still want us around even when they don't need us. Joe brilliantly summed it up: "I want to parent so that my kids never need me, but create a relationship where they still want to have me around."

We also touched on the importance of self-care as parents. Joe's been balancing work and family by taking two days of paternity leave weekly after his initial five weeks off. While the work days are packed, he's handling it well - much better than with our previous children, thanks to prioritizing his mental health.

What started as a conversation about whether having a third child was responsible actually revealed how much better things are now than before. It was a wonderful reminder that sometimes the things that seem most challenging can bring unexpected joy and growth. Despite the occasional falling objects on toes (ouch!), we're thriving as a family of five!

Takeaways:

• Lacey's mental health has improved significantly after taking a break and welcoming their third child.
• Joe shares how his extended paternity leave has made a massive difference in parenting this time around.
• The couple emphasizes the importance of sharing their own experiences rather than their children's stories to respect their privacy.
• They discuss the ups and downs of parenting kids at different stages, from newborn to school age.
• Lacey reflects on how her chronic illness shaped her pregnancy experiences and the lessons learned along the way.
• The duo highlights the challenges of teaching kids about kindness and managing their behavior influenced by peers.

Links

Joyful Support Movement

Lacey's Instagram

Lacey's TikTok

JSM Instagram

Joyful Support Movement Podcasts

Mentioned in this episode:

Cubtail

Cubtale

Buoy Hydration