Balancing work and parenting can be challenging, with the fear of neglecting a child's needs and missing important moments.
Society should show more understanding and compassion towards parents traveling with children on planes.
Deep dives
Struggle: Balancing Work and Parenting
Matt Bronger discusses the challenge of balancing work and parenting, highlighting the difficulty of knowing if he is spending enough quality time with his child. He reflects on his fear of neglecting his child and worries about missing out on important moments as his child continues to grow and develop.
Parenting on Planes: Dealing with Judgment
Matt Bronger shares his frustration with individuals who are judgmental towards parents traveling with children on planes. He recounts instances of encountering rude and unsympathetic fellow passengers, especially in first-class, who make parents feel ashamed for their child's behavior. Matt emphasizes the need for society to show more understanding and compassion towards parents in these situations.
Mixed Emotions: Watching Kids Grow
Matt Bronger discusses the bittersweet experience of seeing his child grow and develop. He shares the feeling of nostalgia for the earlier stages of his child's life, realizing that each passing week brings new milestones and changes. Despite the joy of witnessing these developments, Matt expresses a sense of grief, knowing that the previous version of his child is gone forever.
Self-Doubt: Am I Playing Enough?
Matt Bronger explores the self-doubt that comes with parenting, specifically regarding whether he is playing enough with his child. He grapples with the balance between independent play and active involvement, questioning if he is neglecting his child's need for engagement. Matt discovers reassurance in the understanding that a child's questioning of authority signifies their feelings of love and security.
This week comedian Matt Braunger joins Megan, Chris, and Kurt. They love their kids, BUT…they’re happy to drop them off with complete strangers for 7 hours a day and be blissfully ignorant to what happens within the black box of day care. Megan reveals that her daycare not only knows her child’s correct diaper size, they’re also showering her husband with gifts! And Matt Braunger admits that he was a giant, crying, man-baby when he first dropped off his daughter but realized all is good when he saw they turned her into a Spanish speaking neat freak. But of course, us parents will never know what black magic really happens behind the walls of the most exclusive club on the planet because when we ask our children what they did for the past SEVEN HOURS, all we get is, “nothing.”
And remember, you can call our hotline and leave us questions, comments, or your own funny, totally anonymous “Circle Time” parenting story at 424-570-KIDS or you can email us at Ilovemykid@wondery.com. Just don't forget to start your story with, “I love my kid, but…” and maybe we'll use yours on air!
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