summary

In this episode of Parenting Creative, host Nikko Snyder speaks with poet, songwriter, teacher, and single parent of two Melissa Boulianne about the intersection of creativity and parenting. Melissa shares a lot of beautiful and vulnerable poetry on social media that explores her journey with single parenting and parenting a child on the autism spectrum. In their conversation they talk about the transition to single parenting, autism spectrum disorder, normalizing neurodiversity, living and writing with constant interruptions, using screen time to stay sane, learning to relent, confidence or lack thereof, when writing saves your life, and growing in ways you never imagined growing.

Parenting Creative explores the places where creative life and parenting collide, and all the magic and mess that ensues. Through deep, honest conversations with diverse artist-parents who are walking the walk, we explore both the struggles and the real, practical ways to make creativity and parenthood work—on your own terms, in ways that sustain and inspire you for the long haul. And we do it in community—because neither parenting nor creative life can thrive in isolation.

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takeaways

• Parenting and creativity often collide, leading to unique challenges.
• Single parenthood can be abrupt and isolating, impacting emotional well-being.
• Writing poetry has been a therapeutic outlet for processing emotions.
• Teaching can be both draining and creatively fulfilling.
• Screen time is a complex issue for modern parents, requiring balance.
• Raising a child on the autism spectrum brings both challenges and growth opportunities.
• Emotional complexity is a central theme in parenting experiences.
• Finding time for creativity often requires early mornings and intentional planning.
• Parenting can lead to feelings of isolation and judgment from others.
• Visibility and normalization of neurodiversity are important for societal understanding.

Chapters

02:12

Meet Melissa Boulianne: Poet and Single Parent

09:50

Transitioning to Single Parenthood

14:54

The Role of Teaching in Creative Life

20:06

Navigating Screen Time with Kids

22:06

Parenting a Child on the Autism Spectrum

28:11

Understanding Neurodiversity in Parenting

32:49

Visibility and Normalization of Neurodiversity

38:27

Finding Time for Creativity

41:01

Overcoming Creative Barriers

43:00

The Power of Poetry in Parenting

keywords

parenting, creativity, single parent, single parenting, autism spectrum, autism, autism spectrum disorder, poetry, teaching, screen time, neurodiversity, emotional complexity, motherhood