Navigating Parenthood Beyond Stereotypes with Jaimie Kelton

Like most moms, Jaimie Kelton has “so many thoughts & fears on raising a boy.”

“I question myself constantly,” says Jamie, host of The Queer Family podcast and mom to two children, a 10-year-old daughter & a 6-year-old son. She knows that gender is a social construct — and also knows that gender stereotypes are extremely powerful and prevalent. When she was pregnant with her son, Jamie says, she worried that she wouldn’t be able to connect with him.

In this episode, Jaimie shares her journey and thoughts on raising a boy within a society that holds strong gender stereotypes, while also highlighting the unique challenges and joys faced by queer families.

Key Topics:

• Parenting Fears & Self-Doubt: Jaimie opens up about the common fears and constant self-questioning she experiences as a mom. Despite her awareness that gender is a social construct, she acknowledges the pervasive influence of gender stereotypes in society.
• Facing Stereotypes: While Jaimie and her wife offer their son a variety of toys and activities, he gravitates towards traditionally “boy” interests such as cars, trucks, planes, and the color blue.
• Support & Acceptance: Jaimie discusses the importance of supporting children in becoming their true selves. She emphasizes the need to parent the child you have, not the one you envisioned.
• Intentional Parenting: As part of a queer family, Jaimie highlights the intentionality required in their parenting journey. From conception to daily life, every step is deliberate and meaningful.
• Challenging Norms: Facing societal prejudice, including attempts to ban books featuring families like hers, queer families must continually think outside the box. Often, they discover joy in creating a unique lives that defy conventional paths.
• Encouragement for Other Parents: Jaimie underscores the idea that joy and fulfillment can be found by embracing one’s unique family structure and parenting style.

Memorable Quotes:

• “We want our kids to feel free to be who they are.”
• “We’re really good at thinking outside the box because we don’t fit the normal path.”
• “These are the most intentional parents. There’s no accidents in how we make a family.”

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

The Queer Family podcast — Jaime’s podcast

Supporting LGBTQ+ Kids — ON BOYS episode

Understanding Gender with Dr. Alex Iantaffi — ON BOYS episode

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