Today on Scratch That we chat with the tender and wise trailblazer S. Bear Bergman. We found Bear when we fell head-over-heels in love with his parenting book, Special Topics In Being a Parent. Unlike so many parenting advice we've read, Bear's approach felt adaptable and possible. It was only after we booked our interview that we realized Bear is a BFD. A founding member of the very first Gay/Straight Alliance, Bear has spent the last several decades telling stories, writing books, and inviting humans into greater justice, equity, and inclusion. He is brimming with deep insight, flexible scripts, and the most non-judgmental advice. We're excited to share our conversation with you💛
Tune in to hear us talk about:
🍳 The two-ingredient recipe that makes the tone of Bear's parenting book different from so many others.
🔬 The part about trial and error that Bear thinks we don't talk about enough.
🤝 Collaborative vs controlling parenting.
🔨 The part of parenting differently than you were parented that no one talks about.
🔎 A clarifying strategy for the chaotic parenting moments when so many things are going wrong.
🚮 Figuring out what parenting priorities to simply let go of.
Trading a family tree for a family garden.
🚫 The 2 kids' shows Caitlin and Bear CANNOT abide by.
Mentioned In Today's Episode:
Special Topics in Being a Parent: A Queer and Tender Guide to Things I've Learned About Parenting, Mostly the Hard Way
Special Topics in Being a Human: A Queer and Tender Guide to Things I've Learned the Hard Way about Caring For People, Including Myself
The song Bear added to our collective Scratch That Spotify playlist – "Might as Well Dance" by Patty Larkin
As Always:
Check out Caitlin and Rebekah's Book Shop! Here you can find every book mentioned in our episodes, as well as a few additional faves.
Use this link to get a 25% discount on a PokPok subcription! And if you haven't listened yet, check out our interview with PokPok creators, Esther and Melissa.
We would love to hear from you!
🍎 Apple
🟢 Spotify
Find Rebekah on Substack & Caitlin on Instagram ✨
