Growing Up in a First Responder Family: Resilience, Family Dynamics, and Career Choices

Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

Episode Overview:

In this candid episode, Ashlee and Jennifer turn the mics on themselves to dive into their personal journeys, career paths, and how being raised in first responder families shapes not only your worldview but your entire emotional toolkit. The duo explores themes of resilience, family systems, vulnerability, and the ongoing impact of childhood experiences into adult life.

Key Topics Covered

The First Responder Family System: Jennifer and Ashlee reflect on the unique resilience, values, and awareness that come from growing up in a first responder household. They discuss how these environments often foster critical thinking, acute emotional intelligence, but also present real challenges especially around chaos, structure, and sometimes rigid expectations.

Career Paths: Ashlee and Jennifer share their motivating moments that led them to helping professions (social work, mental health), including behind-the-scenes stories about family, pivotal college classes, and the “aha” moments that cemented their purpose. Candid talk about how family experiences (including tough love and the need to “prove ourselves”) shape career choices and attitudes.

Family Dynamics & Resiliency: A reflection on the double-edged sword of first responder family dynamics. The strong values and community, alongside the strictness and sometimes unintentionally harsh communication styles that get carried from the field into the home. Insights into how these family systems continue to evolve as children grow into adults and re-negotiate relationships with their parents.

Vulnerability & Forgiveness: The importance of parents, especially first responders, showing vulnerability and apologizing when things go wrong. How open, honest dialogue between parent and child can build long-term resilience and deep family bonds, even (or especially) after conflict.

Parenting Reflections: Both hosts admit the learning curve of parenting, and the hope to do things differently while acknowledging that every generation makes mistakes. The value of simply saying “I’m sorry” as a parent.

 

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

 

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